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Local anesthetic is used to numb the skin. A catheter is inserted into intrathecal space through a needle and connected to a temporary pump. It will be used for some days to verify is the system will help the patient. If patient feel pain relief, a permanent pump could be implanted. Implantation is usually done under general anesthesia. The temporary catheter is removed and through a needle a permanent one is implanted. Also pump is implanted under the skin in abdomen and connected with the catheter. The pump receiver controls a portion of medication to block the pain. The battery of the pump usually lasts from three to five years and then new pump could be implanted. The amount of medication is programmed with external unit as well as system could be turned on or off. The patient must visit physician regularly to refill the pump. Over time a catheter may require to be replaced with another one because of damage or moving. After implantation the patient may feel discomfort at the place of incision for several days.
Common side effects could be compared with common injection side effects, i.e. allergic reaction, bacterial infection, bleeding in seldom cases. Steroids side effects are face, eyes, arms, legs swelling, sugar level increasing for diabetic patients.
The patient must inform the physician about pregnancy or if he/she takes blood thinning medication.
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