BILATERAL STN DBS FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE: RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

2nd Congress of The Deep Brain Stimulation Society, İstanbul, Türkiye, 29 Mayıs 2024, ss.43, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

INTRODUCTION: The most commonly used target in

deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease (PD)

is the subthalamic nucleus (STN). This treatment provides

significant improvement in motor functioning and quality

of life. However, serious adverse events might ocur. This

study aims to demostrate the complications and outcomes

of patients treated by bilateral STN DBS for PD in our clinic.

MATERIAL-METHODS: A retrospective analysis was

conducted using hospital records to identify the patients

treated by bilateral STN DBS implantation at our institution

from 2020 to 2023. Telephone surveys were used to

determine final outcomes. The severity of PD was assessed

by the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS).

RESULTS: The demographics of the 45 patients included

in the study were as follows: mean age of 59 years, 32

male (71%), 13 female (29%), 14 patients (%31) had at

least one medical comorbidity. One patient had lead

fractures, two dislodgements, eight wound detachments,

five infections, one capsular side effect, one psychosis, one

methemoglobinemia, and two hematomas. Among five

patients with infection, one proceeded to encephalitis and

the system was removed; after appropriate antibiotherapy,

the patient was reoperated; and one died because of

meningitis. 82% of patients with tremors responded to

treatment, and 55% with rigidity responded. The mean

UPDRS II scores in the preoperative period were 27±4.2 in the

medication-off period, 9±5.3 in the medication-on period,

and in postoperative six-month follow-up periods, 12.6±5.1

in the stimulation-off period, 6.7±3.1 in stimulation-on

period respectively. Other motor symptoms remained stable.

Multivariate analysis revealed no significant correlation

between age, sex, comorbidities and the final UPDRS and

ADLs.

CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral STN DBS is an effective treatment

for PD. It reduces medication requirements in short and

intermediate follow-up periods and significantly improves

final UPDRS and ADLs. However, serious adverse events

should be considered before surgery.

Keywords: Deep brain stimulation, Parkinson’s disease,

subthalamic nucleus