Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease: Surgical technique, tips, tricks and complications

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has become a frequently performed surgery in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. The technique has been further refined throughout the years by improved imaging techniques, advanced neurophysiological recording possibilities, and advances in hardware and software technology. In addition, the complications, which can be divided into surgery-related, target-related, and hardware-related complications, were better recognised and managed. In this review, we describe our experience specifically with the surgery of STN DBS in the light of the existing literature. Tips and tricks, complications and their management are the main elements of this article. In addition, we provide scientific information from our research and other groups in specific sections. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.