'Programmable pain pump a game changer in chronic pain management'
The technique involves delivering low-dose narcotic medication directly into the spinal fluid through a small catheter, providing effective pain relief without the side effects associated with oral painkillers
Hyderabad: Programmable Pain pump an intrathecal drug delivery system (ITDD) is a game-changer in chronic pain management according to Dr. Siddharth Chavali, Consultant Neuro Anesthesiologist and Interventional Pain Physician, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad.
Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their physical and mental well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life. Traditional pain management methods, such as oral medication or injections, may not always provide adequate relief and can lead to adverse side effects. Fortunately, there is an advanced pain management option that has been a game-changer for patients suffering from chronic pain refractory to medical therapy - intrathecal drug delivery system (ITDD) also known as programmable pain pump. This technique involves delivering low-dose narcotic medication directly into the spinal fluid through a small catheter, providing effective pain relief without the side effects associated with oral painkillers.
ITDD involves implanting a small pump under the skin that delivers medication through a catheter to the spinal fluid. The pump is programmed to release medication at a specific rate, providing consistent pain relief. It has been a highly effective pain management option for patients suffering from chronic pain due to various medical conditions, including cancer, failed back surgery syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome.
“Chronic pain can be debilitating and have a profound impact on a patient’s quality of life offering a safe and effective alternative to traditional pain management techniques,” said Dr. Siddharth Chavali, Consultant Neuroanesthesiologist and Interventional Pain Physician, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad.
Dr. Siddharth Chavali further added, “The benefits of ITDD are numerous, including reduced pain severity, improved quality of life, and decreased use of opioids and other pain medications. Additionally, ITDD can minimize the risk of adverse side effects, such as sedation, respiratory depression, constipation, and addiction. Patients who have undergone ITDD treatment report higher satisfaction rates and improved physical function compared to those treated with conventional pain management methods”.
A case-in-point is that of a 62-year-old female presented with intractable pain in her right upper limb due to right brachial plexopathy (a condition that causes severe pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the arm and shoulder due to nerve damage), which occurred following therapy for right-sided breast carcinoma. She had been treated with multiple painkillers, with minimal relief and unfavourable side effect profile. She was then offered implantation of an intrathecal drug delivery system, which provided more than 90 per cent pain relief.
In conclusion, Intrathecal drug delivery can be a recommended treatment option in the field of pain management and offers hope to millions of people in India suffering from chronic pain. With its proven safety and efficacy, ITDD is a valuable treatment option for patients who have not achieved satisfactory pain relief with other treatments.
