ITB Pump Implant
What does the surgery involve?
The procedure for ITB pump implant requires a short stay in
hospital. The surgery usually lasts no longer than two hours and is
done under general anaesthetic.
Before the surgery, the clinicians will decide where best to
place the pump. It is normally placed under the skin to one side of
the lower abdomen. A small flexible tube called a catheter will be
connected to the pump and this goes into the space around the
spinal cord (the intrathecal space). This delivers the medication
directly to the spine from the pump. There will be two wound sites
- one at the abdomen where the pump is placed under the skin and
another one at the bottom of the back where the catheter goes into
the spine. Each wound will have a dressing covering the stitches.
Bruising around the wounds post operatively is normal.
The pump will be programmed and filled with liquid baclofen in
theatre; the baclofen will then be administered slowly at a very
low dose. This dose may be adjusted before discharge. The child
will go home after the neurosurgeons are happy, they have been
reviewed by the physiotherapists and they have made a good recovery
from the anaesthetic.
What are the complications/risks?
Complications are rare with intrathecal baclofen when compared
to oral baclofen. In very rare cases there can be cerebral spinal
fluid leakage, infection or bleeding during surgery. After surgery
the pump may fail, the catheter may leak, kink, disconnect or
dislodge. This will require additional surgery to put it
correct.
Side effects from the drug can include:
1. Loose muscles (floppiness)
2. Reduced head control
3. Sleepiness
4. Upset stomach
5. Vomiting
6. Headaches & dizziness
7. Breathing problems
