Intrathecal pump implants

Once you have had a successful pump trial, the next step is to schedule you for an implant of the device.  

This is an outpatient procedure performed in the hospital so you will go home, barring any issues, the same day of the surgery.  Typically, the surgery is done under general anesthesia.  There will be 2 incisions, one in your abdomen at the place where you want your pump placed and the other in your low back.  Medication will be placed inside of your pump while in surgery so this can be started as soon as possible.  The surgery itself typically takes an hour.  You will have an appointment within 2 weeks after your implant to make sure the incisions are healing well and adjustments are made to your pump to control your pain better.

Implantation of Stimulator

Once you have had a successful stimulator trial, the next step is to schedule you for an implant of the device (pic of stimulator).   This is an outpatient procedure performed in the hospital so you will go home, barring any issues, the same day of the surgery.  The surgery is done under sedation versus general anesthesia.  There will be 2 incisions, one in your side/flank at the place where you want your battery placed and the other in your low back.  The surgery itself typically takes an hour.  You will have an appointment within 2 weeks after your implant to make sure the incisions are healing well and adjustments are made to your stimulator to control your pain better.