Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy that is not suitable for resective surgery, both in adults and in children. Few reports describe the adverse effects and complications of VNS. The aim of our study was to present a series of 33 pediatric patients who underwent VNS for drug-resistant epilepsy and to discuss the adverse effects and complications through a review of the literature. The adverse effects of VNS are usually transient and are dependent on stimulation of the vagus and its efferent fibers; surgical complications of the procedure may be challenging and patients sometimes require further surgery; generally these complications affect VNS efficacy; in addition, hardware complications also have to be taken into account. In our experience and according to the literature, adverse effects and surgical and hardware complications are uncommon and can usually be managed definitely. Careful selection of patients, particularly from a respiratory and cardiac point of view, has to be done before surgery to limit the incidence of some adverse effects.

Trezza, A., Landi, A., Grioni, D., Pirillo, D., Fiori, L., Giussani, C., et al. (2017). Adverse effects and surgical complications in pediatric patients undergoing vagal nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy. In M. Visocchi, H.M. Mehdorn, Y. Katayama, K. von Wild (a cura di), Trends in Reconstructive Neurosurgery : Neurorehabilitation, Restoration and Reconstruction (pp. 43-47). Springer-Verlag Wien [10.1007/978-3-319-39546-3_7].

Adverse effects and surgical complications in pediatric patients undergoing vagal nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy

GIUSSANI, CARLO GIORGIO
Penultimo
;
SGANZERLA, ERIK PIETRO
Ultimo
2017

Abstract

Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy that is not suitable for resective surgery, both in adults and in children. Few reports describe the adverse effects and complications of VNS. The aim of our study was to present a series of 33 pediatric patients who underwent VNS for drug-resistant epilepsy and to discuss the adverse effects and complications through a review of the literature. The adverse effects of VNS are usually transient and are dependent on stimulation of the vagus and its efferent fibers; surgical complications of the procedure may be challenging and patients sometimes require further surgery; generally these complications affect VNS efficacy; in addition, hardware complications also have to be taken into account. In our experience and according to the literature, adverse effects and surgical and hardware complications are uncommon and can usually be managed definitely. Careful selection of patients, particularly from a respiratory and cardiac point of view, has to be done before surgery to limit the incidence of some adverse effects.
Capitolo o saggio
Complications; Drug-resistant epilepsy; Pediatric age; Vagal nerve stimulation; Surgery; Neurology (clinical)
English
Trends in Reconstructive Neurosurgery : Neurorehabilitation, Restoration and Reconstruction
Visocchi, M; Mehdorn, HM; Katayama, Y; von Wild, KRH
2017
978-3-319-39545-6
124
Springer-Verlag Wien
43
47
Trezza, A., Landi, A., Grioni, D., Pirillo, D., Fiori, L., Giussani, C., et al. (2017). Adverse effects and surgical complications in pediatric patients undergoing vagal nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy. In M. Visocchi, H.M. Mehdorn, Y. Katayama, K. von Wild (a cura di), Trends in Reconstructive Neurosurgery : Neurorehabilitation, Restoration and Reconstruction (pp. 43-47). Springer-Verlag Wien [10.1007/978-3-319-39546-3_7].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10281/146750
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