Korean J Pain.  2009 Apr;22(1):68-73. 10.3344/kjp.2009.22.1.68.

Implantation of an Intrathecal Drug Administration System : A report of two cases

• Lee SJ
• Nam SK
• Kim JH
• Kim HJ
• Lee SC
• Kim YC

• KMID: 1767820
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2009.22.1.68

Abstract

Opioids profoundly inhibit evoked discharges of spinal nociceptive neurons, thereby inhibiting the transmission of pain. Intrathecal administration of opioids using implantable continuous infusion systems is an effective method of pain relief when other treatments have failed, as well as for patients with adequate analgesia on high dose therapy that produces unacceptable side effects. We report two cases of intrathecal pump implantation performed in patients suffering from intractable chronic pain. A test dose of 3 mg morphine was injected into the epidural space. No side effects were noted and patients experienced considerable pain relief. Implantation was performed one day after the test. The initial intrathecal morphine delivery dose was half of the equivalent dose of daily oral intake opioids and the infusion rate was increased gradually under close observation for opioid side effects. Two days post-implantation, both patients were discharged without any complications.

Keyword

drug delivery; implantation; infusion pumps; intrathecal

MeSH Terms

Analgesia
Analgesics, Opioid
Chronic Pain
Epidural Space
Humans
Infusion Pumps
Morphine
Nociceptors
Stress, Psychological
Analgesics, Opioid
Morphine