Intrathecal Pain Pump Insertion (2024)

by EBSCO Medical Review Board

Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

(Pain Pump Insertion)

Definition

Intrathecal pain pump insertion places a small pump in the body to deliver pain medicine around the spinal cord.

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to manage long-term pain from problems such as:

Failed back or neck surgery
Vertebral compression fracture
Phantom limb pain
Cancer
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Arachnoiditis—inflammation of a space around the spinal cord
Chronic pancreatitis

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

Anesthesia options
Any allergies you may have
Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
Whether you need a ride to and from surgery
Tests that will need to be done before surgery, such as imaging tests

A test will also be done to see if the pump will lower pain. Pain medicine will be injected into the area around the spine one or more times. A catheter may be placed in the area around the spine. The catheter is then connected to a pump outside of the body. The test will also let the doctor find the right place for the pump and dose of medicine.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

A small cut will be made in the middle of the back. A catheter (tube) is placed in a space near the spinal cord. It is secured with stitches. X-rays are used to make sure the catheter is in the right place. The catheter is guided to the belly.

A small incision is made in the belly. The pump is placed below the waistline in a pocket that is made between the skin and muscles. The catheter will be attached to the pump. The pump is secured. The incisions are closed with stitches. Bandages are placed over the area.

How Long Will It Take?

About 3 to 4 hours.

Will It Hurt?

Pain and swelling are common in the first 1 to 2 weeks. Medicine and home care can help.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

Right after the procedure, the staff may:

Give you pain medicine
Teach you how to use the pain pump
Give you an implanted medical device identification card to show when going through medical detectors

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection, such as:

Washing their hands
Wearing gloves or masks
Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
Not letting others touch your incisions

At Home

It will take 6 to 8 weeks to recover. Physical activity may need to be limited during this time. You may need to ask for help with daily activities and delay return to work for a few weeks.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
Redness, swelling, or discharge from the incision
Pain that you cannot control with medicine
Leg numbness or weakness
Beeping noises from the pump
New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES

American Chronic Pain Association https://www.theacpa.org

American Academy of Craniofacial Pain https://www.aacfp.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Pain Society https://www.canadianpainsociety.ca

Health Canada https://www.canada.ca

References

Cancer pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cancer-pain. Accessed November 23, 2020.

Swarm RA, Anghelescu DL, et al. Adult Cancer Pain. Version 1.2015. In: National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines). NCCN 2015 Mar.

Understanding an intrathecal pain pump implant. Saint Luke's website. Available at: https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/understanding-intrathecal-pain-pump-implant. Accessed November 23, 2020.

Revision Information

Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
Review Date: 09/2020
Update Date: 04/21/2021

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.