Dr Naoufel Ouerchefani Functional neurosurgeon - Pain doctorPain and abnormal movement surgeon

Intrathecal pump:
Patient questions

Your questions

All the studies* report that there are positive results with a reduction of pain scores.

  • 4 out of 13 studies have shown an improvement in quality of life,
  • 4 out of 13 studies have shown a functional improvement,
  • 8 out of 13 studies have shown a reduction in systemic treatments,
  • 2 out of 13 studies have shown a reduction in the number of consults.

Those studies also reveal sleep and mood improvement. The clinical trials listed over the last few years lead to similar conclusion in regard to efficiency, reducing the symptomology, reducing medication and improving the quality of life.

*SFAR/SFETD – 2015 numbers of the league against cancer. Locoregional analgesic techniques and chronic pain

The pump works with a battery whose mean duration is 3 to 4 years, depending on the frequency of its refills; the more often the refills, the more the duration of the pump decreases. Replacing a pump is done under general anesthesia. The surgeon works on the old scar which hold the pump, without touching the catheter: he disconnects the distal end of the catheter, inserts the new pump, reconnects the catheter and stitches the scar.

Indeed, there exist some formal contraindications:

  • Using arc-wielding equipment,
  • Passing under airport security gates,
  • Using magnets,Practicing in combat sports,Extreme leisure activities (high-sensation rides, hand-gliding, paragliding, parachute/Bungee jumping)
  • Exposing the material to high heats (hammam, jacuzzi, sauna, boiling baths, UV)