• Daniel J Kirse, Andreas H Werle, Jerome V Murphy, Thomas P Eyen, Daniel E Bruegger, Gregory W Hornig, and Richard D Torkelson.
• Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, USA.
• Arch Otolaryngol. 2002 Nov 1; 128 (11): 1263-8.

BackgroundVagus nerve stimulation was approved in 1997 as an adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures refractory to medical therapy. Subsequent to the initial clinical trials, few studies have been published specifically addressing perioperative management issues.ObjectivesTo review the operative technique and perioperative management of patients undergoing vagus nerve stimulator implantation and to analyze complications and their management.DesignRetrospective medical record review and survey of patients who underwent implantation.SettingA tertiary care pediatric hospital in Kansas City, Mo.PatientsOne hundred two patients aged 21 months to 40 years.InterventionVagus nerve stimulator implantation and lead placement.Main Outcome MeasuresThe surgical technique of vagus nerve stimulator implantation is presented in detail. Perioperative complications are enumerated, and strategies for their management are described. A subjective patient survey addresses some quality-of-life issues and the effect on swallowing and voice.ResultsOne hundred two patients successfully underwent vagus nerve stimulator implantation. Three patients experienced infection of the chest wound holding the generator and required explantation. These 3 patients underwent reimplantation within 2 months after the infection had cleared. Most patients experience some degree of hoarseness when the generator is activated, but this symptom usually does not significantly affect the ability to communicate. Responses to questions regarding quality of life are positive.ConclusionsVagus nerve stimulator implantation has a low incidence of serious complications. Quality of life seems to be improved for most patients. Modifications to the surgical procedure must be considered when performing the implantation on a young patient.

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