SINGLE CENTER SURGICAL COMPLICATIONS IN VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION SURGERY

Abstract

AIM Vagal nerve stimulation surgery is one of the prominent neuromodulation methods due to its increasing spectrum of indications and number of cases worldwide. Surgical complications of this procedure may lead to temporary or permanent results and may require repeated surgeries. This study aimed to compile the surgical complications of patients who underwent vagus nerve stimulation surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS Adult patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who underwent vagus nerve stimulation surgery in a single center were grouped as initial implantation, pulse generator revision, complete revision, or system removal. Average surgery time was documented along with age and gender information. Data on surgery-related complications such as local infection, headache, cough, temporary or permanent hoarseness, vascular injury and hematoma were examined in all patients. RESULTS There were 44 patients subjected to the study. The most frequently performed procedure was primary implantation in 77.3% of the patients (n: 34). One or more complications developed in 29.54% (n:13). The most common surgical complication was headache in 7 patients (15.9%), and the only permenant complication was hoarseness in 1 patient (2.9%). DISCUSSION Vagus nerve stimulation surgery improves the patient’s quality of life. Life threatening and permanent complications are not common in vagus nerve stimulation surgery. Our surgical complication rates are similar with literature. CONCLUSION Vagus nerve stimulation surgery is a relatively safe procedure. Further researches will help to understand complications and rates better.

Keywords

• Vagus nerve stimulation
• Epilepsy
• Surgical complications

References

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