Usefulness of ultrasound: Intrathecal pump refill in the management of chronic pain. A case report

Intrathecal administration for the treatment of patients with difficult to manage chronic pain represents a therapeutic breakthrough that reduces adverse effects and improves the patient's quality of life. However, the use and refill of infusion pumps entails certain risks. A difficult access to the refill port and the potential for subcutaneous infiltration are rare but potentially fatal complications. The use of ultrasonography as real-time guidance for the localization of the port has been suggested. The case of a patient with a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and chronic pain, with neuroplasticity phenomena in the management of analgesia with opioid intrathecal infusion pump and the need for frequent refill is discussed. An ultrasound-guided static method using coordinates was used for a successful, free of complications refill. The technique described for the refill of intrathecal infusion pumps is a practical and innovative approach which, through adequate training, may reduce the risks and complications during the procedure in patients requiring frequent refills.