TREATMENT OVERVIEW
An Intrathecal Pain Pump is an advanced, implantable system that provides powerful pain relief by delivering medication directly to the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. This targeted approach uses a dose up to 300 times smaller than oral medication, providing profound pain control with significantly fewer side effects. It is a life-changing option for patients with severe, chronic pain who have not found relief with other treatments.
PROCEDURE DETAILS
The process begins with a trial to ensure the medication effectively relieves your pain. If successful, you can proceed with the implant. This surgical procedure is performed under sedation or general anesthesia. A small, flexible catheter is carefully placed into the intrathecal space—the area containing the fluid that surrounds your spinal cord.
A second incision is made in your lower abdomen, where a small pocket is created under the skin. This pocket will comfortably hold the pain pump, which is a round, metal device about the size of a hockey puck that contains the medication reservoir.
The catheter is then gently tunneled under the skin from your spine to the abdominal pocket and connected to the pump. The pump is filled with medication and programmed using a wireless device. The incisions are then closed, leaving the entire system safely and discreetly inside your body.
TREATMENT ADVANTAGES
A pain pump can restore quality of life for those with the most severe chronic pain, offering powerful relief where other treatments have failed.
Delivers potent medication directly to the pain receptors in the spinal cord, providing a level of relief often unattainable with other treatments.
By using a micro-dose of medication (about 1/300th of an oral dose), patients experience far less drowsiness, constipation, and mental fog.
This therapy is a cornerstone of pain management, allowing many patients to significantly reduce or eliminate their reliance on high-dose oral opioids.
With both pain and medication side effects under control, patients can often return to daily activities, hobbies, and a more independent lifestyle.
The pump is fully programmable, allowing your doctor to precisely tailor the dosage to your specific needs, even adjusting for different times of day.
While it is a long-term solution, the entire pain pump system can be surgically removed if ever needed, making the therapy completely reversible.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The intrathecal pain pump is a safe and effective therapy, but as with any surgical procedure and implanted device, it has potential risks that will be thoroughly discussed with you.
Important: This therapy requires a long-term commitment, including regular, simple in-office appointments every few months to refill the pump's medication reservoir.
PREPARATION GUIDE
Proper preparation for your implant surgery is crucial for a safe and successful outcome. Please review these steps carefully.
Ensure you have a thorough review with Dr. Fura. Disclose all allergies, especially to medications like contrast dye.
Stop blood thinners and other specific medications as instructed by Dr. Fura before your procedure.
Do not eat or drink after midnight. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home afterward.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Avoid jewelry and leave valuables at home for safekeeping.
RECOVERY GUIDE
Your recovery is focused on healing the surgical sites, followed by fine-tuning your medication dose to achieve the best possible pain relief.
You may stay in the hospital for a day or two for monitoring. You will be given instructions on caring for your two incisions and managing post-operative pain before going home.
You will have activity restrictions, including no bending, lifting, or twisting, to allow the catheter to heal securely in place. Focus on rest and short walks.
You will have several follow-up visits to carefully fine-tune the pump's programming, finding the optimal dose that maximizes your pain relief while minimizing any side effects.
Once your dose is stable, you will have simple, in-office appointments every 2-6 months to refill your pump's medication reservoir, ensuring your therapy continues uninterrupted.
Please don't hesitate to reach out and request an appointment. We look forward to meeting with you, addressing your concerns, and working together to enhance your quality of life.