An IT pump is often a last resort treatment for cancer pain, and can also help with other chronic pain conditions such as post-laminectomy syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), arachnoiditis, chronic pancreatitis, and chronic muscle spasms.
Procedure: Intrathecal Pump Implant
The procedure involves first a trial, so the patient and healthcare provider can decide if an IT pump would help. A single shot of medication to the area around the spinal cord is given. This quick procedure is performed in the doctor’s office, so the patient can go home the same day. If the pain decreases by at least 50%, the trial is successful.
At the actual implant appointment, to begin the procedure, the person is placed under local or general anesthesia. A thin tube is inserted into the fluid-filled area around the spinal cord known as the intrathecal space. A small pump is implanted in the front of the body, usually in the abdomen, and the pump and catheter are attached. Finally, the pump is connected to the catheter, and the medication flow is started. The patient can go home the same day.
Videos
Intrathecal Pump Implant Video
Post-operative Care for Intrathecal Pump Implants
Patients should expect immediate pain relief after the procedure, upon using the pump. There may be some soreness in the area where the tube was inserted. As the body heals, the patient may require pain relief in pill form; light activities are suggested for the next couple weeks following the procedure.
Pump medications are refilled generally once every 5 months.
Goals of Intrathecal Pump Implant
Provide superior pain relief to pain medications
Minimize side effects from other pain relief treatments
Benefits of Intrathecal Pump Implant
- Reduced side effects from other pain medications
- Very effective; spinal-cord direct pain relief
- Lowered side effects like nausea, constipation, drowsiness, etc.
- Good for patients who cannot tolerate opioid medications
- Constant pain relief given through the pump device
- Allows for patient control over dosage of pain relief medication
Side Effects of Intrathecal Pump Implant
Complications are rare, but can occur:
Allergic reactions to medications
Infections
Nerve damage
Development of granuloma (inflammation) at end of the catheter
