Surgery: What to Expect – Implanting the Drug Pump

Detail - Intrathecal drug delivery

If you and your doctor decide to use a drug pump for cancer pain relief, you will need surgery to implant the system. Before the surgery, you and your doctor will decide where to position the pump for your comfort.

On the day of the surgery, you will receive local or general anesthesia. Once you are "under" the anesthetic, your surgeon will:

Make an incision and form a pocket under your skin that is large enough to hold the pump (usually in the abdomen)
Create a second incision on your back for the catheter
Tunnel the catheter
Position the pump and catheter

Once the pump and catheter are in place, the incisions are closed and the surgery is complete. The length of your hospital stay will vary depending on your doctor's preference and hospital procedures.

Next: Questions and Answers

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 3 Aug 2008