Troy Nesbit, MD, of Rapid City, S.D.-based West River Anesthesia is the state's only anesthesiologist trained to perform the dorsal root ganglion procedure, according to local news station KEVN Black Hills FOX.
Five insights:
1. The DRG procedure enables physicians to precisely stimulate sites of pain.
2. The procedure is performed in two phases. In the first phase, a stimulator lead is placed on the exact nerve causing the patient pain.
3. After the patient undergoes a one-week trial, the physician makes two small incisions to advance the lead and bury it under the skin. The lead is then connected to a small battery, enabling patients to control stimulation using their phones. The battery can last up to 10 years.
4. The procedure is best suited for patients with complex regional pain syndrome, chronic knee pain or specific groin pain. The typical DRG candidate has had multiple back surgeries and ongoing back or leg pain, according to Dr. Nesbit.
5. Dr. Nesbit received DRG training in Chicago. The first DRG surgery he performed in Rapid City was successful, and his patient will soon receive a permanent implant.