Surg Neurol
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Ten patients underwent placement of a lumbar subarachnoid catheter attached to a subcutaneous reservoir allowing daily injection of intrathecal morphine sulfate by family members. Sacral and pelvic pain were fairly well controlled. ⋯ Using this technique, narcotic concentration and frequency of administration can be easily altered to provide a safe but effective dose. Lumbar administration appears to block pain from lumbar and sacral dermatomes without the sedating and mood-altering effects of systemic narcotics.