The Historic First-in-Asia SCS (2014)
In 2014, Dr. Sun Chenyan performed the first Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) surgery in Asia for paraplegia. The patient, completely paraplegic before surgery, regained the ability to walk independently following SCS implantation and intensive rehabilitation. That patient later started a family and continues in good health — a landmark outcome demonstrating SCS potential for motor recovery in incomplete spinal cord injury.
What is SCS?
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) delivers targeted electrical pulses to the dorsal columns of the spinal cord via implanted epidural electrodes. Depending on the target level and stimulation parameters, SCS:
- Blocks pain signals (gate control mechanism) — for chronic neuropathic pain and FBSS
- Activates residual spinal circuits — for motor recovery in incomplete paraplegia
- Modulates autonomic pathways — for bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction (sacral neuromodulation)
- Promotes arousal (cervical SCS) — for disorders of consciousness / vegetative state
Conditions Treated with SCS at Eber
| Condition | SCS Type | Expected Outcome | Cost (CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paraplegia (incomplete SCI) | Epidural lumbar SCS | Motor function recovery, ambulation | Inquire |
| Chronic neuropathic pain | Dorsal column SCS | 50–70% pain reduction | Inquire |
| Failed Back Surgery Syndrome | Lumbar SCS | 50% VAS reduction in 60% of patients | Inquire |
| Sacral dysfunction (bladder/bowel) | Sacral neuromodulation | Improved bladder control, continence | ~400,000 |
| Vegetative state | Cervical SCS | Promotes arousal, awareness | Inquire |
SCS Procedure at Eber Medical Group
- Trial phase (3–7 days): Temporary lead placed percutaneously; patient evaluates pain relief/motor improvement with external stimulator
- If trial successful: Permanent implant surgery scheduled (typically within 1 week)
- Permanent implant: Leads anchored epidurally, connected to rechargeable IPG (implanted subcutaneously); Siemens hybrid OR for real-time guidance
- Postoperative: 2-week inpatient stay for device optimization, physiotherapy, and safety monitoring
- Discharge: Patient leaves with device remote control, written instructions, telemedicine follow-up
SCS — Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first-in-Asia SCS surgery?
In 2014, Dr. Sun Chenyan performed the first-in-Asia Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) surgery for paraplegia at Eber Medical Group. The patient was completely paraplegic before surgery. After SCS implantation and rehabilitation, the patient regained the ability to walk independently, later started a family, and continues in good health today.
What does SCS cost at Eber Medical Group?
Sacral stimulator (SCS for bladder/bowel dysfunction or paraplegia) costs approximately 400,000 CNY, with 2 weeks of hospitalization. SCS for chronic pain may differ — contact us with your diagnosis for a precise estimate.
What conditions is SCS used for at Eber?
SCS at Eber Medical Group treats: Chronic pain (failed back surgery syndrome, CRPS, neuropathic pain), Paraplegia (incomplete spinal cord injury — enables motor recovery), Bladder dysfunction (sacral neuromodulation for neurogenic bladder, urinary incontinence), and Vegetative state (cervical SCS to promote arousal).
How is SCS surgery performed?
Under fluoroscopic or intraoperative image guidance, electrode leads are placed epidurally (in the space around the spinal cord) via a minimally invasive percutaneous approach or open laminotomy. The leads connect to a rechargeable pulse generator implanted subcutaneously in the abdomen or buttock. A trial stimulation period (3–7 days) is typically performed before permanent implantation.