Der Nervenarzt
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The therapeutic concept of local administration of opioids into the perimedullar and cerebrospinal fluid is the result of fundamental studies concerning the discovery and localization of specific binding sites. These studies provoked considerable clinical interest, because they suggested a non-destructive and fully reversible method. In our department we have been gathering experience with an implantable pump system for various indications of chronic pain on a sample of 25 patients. ⋯ Nine of the patients with cancer-related pain experienced from excellent to acceptable pain relief, as did also 10 patients with chronic non-malignant pain. Side effects were rare. Our findings also indicate that, in carefully selected patients, both malignant and non-malignant pain may be managed satisfactorily with this technique.