In this video, we’ll explain what to expect before and after your surgery to get an intrathecal pump.
Visit About Intrathecal Pumps and What To Expect While You Have an Intrathecal Pump to watch parts 1 and 3 of this video series.
Show transcript
In this video, we’ll explain what to expect before and after your surgery to get an intrathecal pump.
If you and your pain clinician decide an intrathecal pump is right for you, you will have a surgery to get the pump.
Your nurse will tell you what to expect and how to get ready. You’ll need to follow instructions for eating, drinking, and taking medicine in the days leading up to your surgery.
When it’s time for your surgery, you’ll get general anesthesia so you fall asleep.
Your surgeon will make an incision, or cut, on the side of your belly where the pump will be. They’ll make another incision on your back where the catheter will go into your intrathecal space.
They’ll put the pump and catheter in place, then close the incisions with stitches and surgical tape. Surgery usually takes 1 to 3 hours.
After your surgery, your incisions may be sore. Your care team will give you pain medicine to help.
You’ll stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days so your care team can adjust the type and amount of pain medicine you’re getting through your intrathecal pump.
They’ll also teach you how to control your pump using the PTM device. PTM stands for personal therapy manager.
Your care team may give you a prescription for pain medicine before you leave the hospital. This will be oral pain medicine, which is medicine you swallow. You can use it along with your intrathecal pump.
Your care team will also talk with you about possible side effects from the intrathecal pain medicine and adjustments to the pain medicines you take.
Make sure you bring the PTM device, charger, and user guide home from the hospital.
For about 6 to 8 weeks after surgery:
- Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds, or about 4.5 kilograms.
- Do not bend over, such as to pick something up from the ground.
- Do not twist your body, such as to reach something behind you.
Avoiding these things will help your body heal. Talk with your pain clinician about when you can go back to your usual activities and movements.
You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your pain clinician and surgeon 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will take out your stitches during this appointment. It’s important not to miss it.
While you’re recovering after surgery, call your surgeon if:
- Your pain gets worse.
- Your side effects get worse.
- Your legs feel numb or weak.
- You have trouble peeing.
- You have pain or redness where the pump was placed.
- You hear a beep from the pump.
- You have any questions or concerns.
For more information about intrathecal pumps, visit msk.org/pe and search “intrathecal pump.”
You can also visit msk.org/pe/intrathecal-part-1 and msk.org/pe/intrathecal-part-3 to watch parts one and three of this video.
If you have any questions, contact your healthcare provider.
