SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Use Lead-DBS software to analyze stereotactical surgical outcome of an operated population and demonstrate that small target deviations do not compromise the stimulation of desired structures, even with small amperages. METHODS: Image exams of patients submitted to deep brain stimulation for movement disorders treatment were processed in Lead-DBS software. Electrode stereotactic coordinates were subtracted from the planned target and those deviations, compared among different anatomical targets and sides operated firstly and secondly. We also quantified the frequency of relation between the activated tissue volume and the planned target through computer simulations. RESULTS: None of the 16 electrodes were exactly implanted at the planned coordinates. A stimulation of 3 mA reached 62.5% of the times the planned coordinates, rising to 68.75% with a 3,5 mA. No statistical significance was demonstrated in any comparison of laterality and anatomical sites. CONCLUSIONS: The simulation of small amperage fields could reach the intended target even when electrode placement is suboptimal. Furthermore, such a goal can be achieved without overlapping the volume of activated tissue with undesired structures. Software Lead-DBS proved to be a valuable complementary asset for surgical stereotactical result assessment.

RESUMO Epilepsia é um problema neurológico sério e para o qual não há um tratamento efetivo e definitivo. Apesar de o tratamento cirúrgico ser bastante benéfico em alguns casos, ainda é subutilizado. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever a implementação de um Centro de Cirurgia de Epilepsia em um Hospital Universitário Federal, divulgar a experiência inicial obtida, os principais desafios, as dificuldades e os resultados iniciais. Método: Relato da experiência na implementação do Centro de Epilepsia. Análise retrospectiva de série de treze pacientes com epilepsia resistente a medicação e que foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico. Resultados: Treze pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico, 5 com a Liga Internacional Contra Epilepsia classe 1, 2 com classe 3, três com classe 3, zero com classe 4 e 2 com classe 5; com uma taxa de complicação de 30, 76%. Conclusão: Apesar das dificuldades, foi possível a implementação de um Centro de Cirurgia de Epilepsia com resultados favoráveis e taxas de complicação não superiores aos centros de países desenvolvidos.

ABSTRACT Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition, often without a full and effective treatment. In some cases, surgery is beneficial, despite being underused. Our aim herein is to describe the implementation of an epilepsy surgery center in a federal university hospital, sharing the initial experience gained, as well as describing the main challenges and first results. Methods: Experience report of an epilepsy surgery center implementation. Retrospective review of 13 drug-resistant patients who underwent surgical treatment. Results: Thirteen patients underwent surgical epilepsy treatment, five patients categorized as the International League Against Epilepsy class 1, two in class 2, three in class 3, zero in class 4, and two in class 5; with a 30.76% complication rate. Conclusion: Despite the challenges, it was possible to implement an epilepsy surgery center with favorable results and acceptable incidence of complications, which were not higher than the incidences found in more experienced centers.