Brindley technique with intradural deaf-ferentation and extradural implantation by a single sacral laminectomy

Aim. - We propose an improved technique for implanting a sacral root stimulator associated with dorsal sacral rhizotomy ("Brindley's technique") in a single intra-sacral approach. Method. - This novel technique only requires a single sacral laminectomy, consisting in a sacral deafferentation at the level of the dural cul-de-sac, facilitated by the anatomical identification of the sacral roots at this level. Results. - Four patients underwent surgery using this technique since October 2002, resulting in a very satisfactory micturition status. Discussion. - The aim of this technique, which is as rapid as the conventional intra-dural technique, is to obtain complete deafferentation and to induce non traumatic transdural motor stimulation at the same level. In this way, surgical goals can be reached more readily with greater safety than with other techniques.