Vagus nerve stimulation in epilepsy: Efficiency and safety of outpatient practice

Abstract

IntroductionOver the past 20 years, Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) has become one of the tools for surgical treatment of patients with refractory cryptogenic epilepsy. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of implanting a Vagus Nerve Stimulation in ambulatory patients with chronic epilepsy. Patients and methodsVNS procedure was consecutively performed in outpatient surgery between November 2016 and November 2018 in patients with refractory epilepsy. The main endpoints were complications, prolonged hospitalization and readmission during the first postoperative month. This information was collected by retrospective analysis of clinical files. ResultsOf the 22 patients included, the majority were autonomous (77%) with only 5 institutionalized patients. Retrospective analysis revealed a single complication of temporary dysphonia (4.5%) and an unplanned hospitalisation for immediate post-operative vomiting (4.5%). No readmissions were observed during the postoperative month but an emergency room visit for generalized seizure disorder was reported for one patient. ConclusionThe outpatient implantation of VNS in patients with epilepsy is a valid strategy for 95% of patients.