Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) at Helios St. Josefshospital Uerdingen in Germany helps patients manage chronic pain through advanced neuromodulation. The procedure involves placing thin electrodes in the epidural space to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. This treatment is particularly effective for those who have not found relief through traditional methods.
Prof. Dr. Philipp Slotty leads the neurostimulation program at the clinic. He was among the first surgeons in Europe to implant the newest generation of spinal cord stimulators. These modern devices are 58% smaller than older models, providing better comfort under the skin. The battery is highly efficient and only needs charging about five times per year. Furthermore, these new systems are compatible with whole-body MRI scans, allowing patients to undergo future diagnostic imaging without complications.
Treatment begins with a trial phase to see how the patient reacts to the stimulation. A thin electrode is inserted behind the spinal cord during a 30 to 60-minute procedure. This happens under local anesthesia, so the patient remains awake. The patient then tests the device for seven days in their daily environment. This trial period allows the patient to decide if the therapy helps before committing to a permanent implant.
If the test phase is successful, a small impulse generator is implanted under the skin of the abdomen. This final surgery also uses local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. Data shows that about 80% of patients benefit from this therapy. Instead of feeling chronic pain, patients typically experience a gentle tingling sensation. This shift helps many people return to their normal activities with less reliance on medication.
Helios Gesundheit is a massive medical network in Germany that treats over 5,000,000 patients every year. The clinics hold multiple certifications, including those for stroke units and orthopedic surgery. These German society accreditations help maintain high safety standards for all surgical procedures. Patients receive care in specialized departments focused on pain therapy and neuromodulation.
You can learn more about spinal cord stimulation and request a consultation through Bookimed.
Individual treatment program and cost estimate
Average answering time – 5 minutes
| diagnostics | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Brain biopsy | $27959.52 - $33551.43 | |
| Brain MRI with contrast (FLAIR sequence) | $1342.06 | |
| Ultrasound | $223.68 - $447.35 | |
| MRI of one area | $894.7 - $1342.06 | |
| Brain MRI | $1118.38 |
Helios Gesundheit is a private medical network in Barmen, Germany. It runs acute care hospitals and outpatient centers across the country. The network treats about 5.5 million patients each year, including 4 million outpatient visits. Nearly 78,000 healthcare professionals deliver inpatient and specialized services.
The group has built standardized care pathways over 25 years of quality monitoring. Several locations hold specialty certifications from the German Society of Cardiology (DGK). These include recertified Chest Pain Units and Heart Failure Units. Network hospitals are also recognized for high-volume trauma care and stroke management.
Major certifications held by the network include:
Helios Klinikum Erfurt is a maximum-care facility with 1,282 beds. It serves as an academic teaching hospital linked to Jena University Hospital. This connection supports ongoing research and staff education.
The cardiology department focuses on heart valve conditions and rhythm disorders. Specialists offer long-term EKG monitoring and implant all pacemaker and ICD systems. Chest Pain Units run 24-hour emergency hotlines for coronary artery disease. Echocardiography is the primary tool for assessing aortic valve narrowing.
The Orthopedic-Traumatology Center handles joint replacements and spine therapy. Dr. Thomas Lerner leads the spine surgery team. He offers both conservative and surgical treatments. For complex cases, surgeons use custom-made shoulder implants – over 50 have been placed since 2019.
Arthroscopic services include:
The urology department treats prostate cancer with the Da Vinci robotic system for radical prostatectomy. This technology allows precise tissue removal while preserving function. The team also handles urinary stones through flexible ureteroscopy and non-invasive shockwave lithotripsy.
General surgery includes certified hernia care. Surgeons treat inguinal, umbilical, and abdominal wall hernias in adults and children. These departments take part in the Herniamed quality assurance study to track outcomes.
The hospitals rely on modern imaging for accurate diagnostics. MRI and CT scanners support internal medicine and oncology planning. The central pharmacy uses unit-dose technology to dispense medications accurately for each patient. Gastroenterology teams perform capsule endoscopy for non-invasive bowel exams. Intensive care units at selected sites provide ECMO life support for critical cases.
Helios Gesundheit offers dedicated support for patients from abroad. Coordinators and interpreters work in English, Russian, Romanian, Arabic, and French. The patient portal allows online appointment booking and video consultations before travel.
Additional services for international guests include:
Private add-on services are available for exclusive accommodation. Local service hotlines can help with administrative steps.
Individual treatment program and cost estimate
Average answering time – 5 minutes