Intrathecal Pump Implant

An intrathecal pain pump is used to relieve chronic pain. It delivers small amounts of medication directly to the intrathecal space (area surrounding the spinal cord) to prevent pain signals from being perceived by the brain. Because the medication is delivered directly to where pain signals travel, intrathecal drug delivery offers many people dramatic pain control, with a dose smaller than would be required with oral medication. This results in fewer side effects associated with oral medication, such as sleepiness, upset stomach, vomiting and constipation. A reversible trial will be done first to determine if this therapy would work for your pain control. If you achieve a good level of pain relief (50% or greater) you may be a candidate for a permanent pump.

Although uncommon, risks include infection, bleeding, itching, difficulty urinating, nausea, discomfort, drainage or swelling at the surgical site, severe headache, swelling in the extremities, increased pain, weakness or numbness or a disconnected catheter.