PubMed · 10919415
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N Kumar, W A Chambers. 2000. Tunnelling epidural catheters: a worthwhile exercise?. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2044.2000.01645.x
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This case report describes a 63-year-old male patient with considerably impaired postoperative wound healing in the region of the lower extremities. After initial drug therapy for the pain was ineffectual, the patient was treated repeatedly through an epidural catheter. In the further course, an extensive spinal epidural abscess was diagnosed as an incidental finding without neurological symptoms. After taking into consideration the patient's age and the risk factors present as well as inclusion of the subspecialties involved for an interdisciplinary assessment, the patient was successfully treated with a conservative approach. Our contribution concludes with a detailed discussion and comparison of the literature.
Intraspinal drug infusion using implantable pumps and catheter systems is a safe and effective therapy for selected pain patients with severe chronic pain. It improves pain relief, reduces drug-related side effects, decreases the need for oral analgesia and enhances quality of life in a segment of chronic pain patients whose pain has not been controlled with more conservative therapies. Intrathecal drug therapy has therefore established its role in the treatment of malignant pain, benign pain and severe spasticity.Careful patient selection and management as well as a multidisciplinary approach are determinants of successful treatment. Current practices for patient selection and management, screening, drug selection, dosing and implantation for intrathecal drug delivery systems are discussed.