Intrathecal Pumps for Cancer-Related Pain

What is an intrathecal pump?

Intrathecal pumps, also known as intrathecal drug delivery systems, are medical devices used to manage severe and chronic cancer-related pain.

This advanced procedure involves the implantation of a pump under the skin, which is connected to a catheter that delivers pain medication directly into the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord.

The pump is programmable and delivers controlled doses of pain medication continuously or on-demand. By administering medication directly to the spinal cord, intrathecal pumps can provide targeted pain relief and reduce the systemic side effects associated with oral pain medications.

Only available at a handful of centers in the UAE, intrathecal pumps offer significant pain relief and improved quality of life for eligible cancer patients.

When are intrathecal pumps used?

Intrathecal pumps are primarily used to manage cancer-related pain that may be widespread or difficult to control with other pain management methods. They can effectively target pain arising from various cancer types, including bone pain, nerve pain, and pain associated with metastases to the spine or other areas of the body.

Which patients can benefit from intrathecal pumps?

Intrathecal pumps may be offered to cancer patients experiencing severe, chronic pain that significantly impacts their daily life and patients who have not responded well to other pain management approaches.

Candidates are often individuals with advanced-stage cancers, bone metastases, or nerve involvement, where conventional pain medications have not provided adequate relief.

Additionally, patients who experience intolerable side effects from systemic pain medications may be considered for this procedure.

What are the benefits of intrathecal pumps?

Intrathecal pumps offer many benefits to cancer patients:

• Targeted pain relief: Intrathecal pumps deliver pain medication directly to the spinal cord, targeting pain at its source. This localized approach provides more effective pain relief compared to systemic medications.
• Reduced side effects: By directly delivering medication to the spinal cord, intrathecal pumps minimize systemic side effects, such as drowsiness, constipation, and nausea, which are common with oral pain medications.
• Improved quality of life: Intrathecal pumps can significantly reduce pain intensity, enabling patients to participate in daily activities and enhancing their overall quality of life.
• Personalized pain management: The programmable nature of intrathecal pumps allows healthcare providers to tailor medication delivery based on the patient's pain levels and requirements, providing personalized pain management.

What does the procedure involve?

Patients receiving intrathecal pumps can be seen within an outpatient clinic. The patient will need to fast for 8 hours prior to the procedure.

General anesthesia will be given ahead of the procedure. The surgical procedure involves placing the parts of the intrathecal pump into the body. This includes inserting a catheter into the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord, which is attached to a pump, which holds the medication, and is implanted under the skin of the abdomen. The pump is then programed to deliver a measured dose of medication to the intrathecal space at certain times. Alternatively, a personal therapy manager (PTM) device allows the patient to deliver additional doses.

After the procedure, the patient will be briefly monitored in the PACU and will usually be able to go home the same day, although some patients will be admitted for 1-2 days in the hospital.

The patient will have a follow-up appointment after 2 - 4 weeks for wound checks and device management. This procedure requires regular follow-up for adjustments and device management.

 

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Our team of pain management specialists are experts in providing care for complex, chronic and cancer-related pain. Focused on improving quality of life and enhancing overall wellbeing as much as possible, we offer comprehensive treatment plans, utilizing the most advanced pain management procedures, which are tailored to suit the individual needs of every patient.

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