Pump Removed, Problems Remain: Navigating Intrathecal Pain Pump Removal and Opioid Conversion Challenges

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-11-2025

Abstract

A 66-year-old female with extensive spinal pathology, complicated by multiple surgical revisions, had an intrathecal catheter placed for chronic pain and high-dose oral opioid dependence. She was admitted for acute metabolic encephalopathy and an exposed intrathecal catheter, raising concern for infection. This necessitated pump removal and IV antibiotics. Transitioning from intrathecal opioids to an oral regimen proved challenging due to the lack of standardized conversion guidelines. Her hospitalization was complicated by narcosis and withdrawal, requiring multiple revisions of her pain regimen. This case highlights the complexities of intrathecal pumps, including infection risk, discontinuation and withdrawal, and transitioning to oral opioid regimens.

Comments

American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Meeting, October 10-14, 2025

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