Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Complications of intrathecal drug delivery are relatively rare. Of these, infections, cutaneous erosion, and granulomas account for the most common complications. The latter is often noticed when the patient shows signs of sedation and/or reduced pain relief. ⋯ Here, we present a case where a catheter-tip granuloma formed within 5 weeks of intrathecal morphine. The patient was carrying an intrathecal pump for 3 months when it was diagnosed. Probable causes of the formation are discussed.
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The objective of this paper is to educate physicians who implant spinal cord stimulators in current surgical techniques. Many implanters have not gone through formal surgical residencies and learn their surgical techniques during a one year Fellowship or from proctoring experience. ⋯ In addition, a more detailed presentation is made at the end of this paper on a proposed simple one-incision surgical technique for implantation of small internal pulse generators. This is the first publication in the literature describing such a technique and may be useful for less-experienced implanters, as well as conferring potential advantages in surgical technique.