A case series discussing the intrathecal drug delivery system to improve the quality of life in terminal cancer patients

Abstract

Cancer is a life changing diagnosis and chronic pain in these terminally ill patients is extremely debilitating. In the present case series, the feasibility of continuous infusion of low dose local anaesthetics and opioids through the intrathecal route has been discussed pertaining to patient selection, technique, drugs used and trouble shooting. The intrathecal catheters were connected through a subcutaneous port to an external ambulatory infusion device (CADD pump) and used on a home care basis.

Keywords

• Chronic pain
• intrathecal route
• terminally ill patients