Baclofen pump implantation in Türkiye

Implantation of a baclofen pump is a surgical procedure in which a pump called baclofen is implanted which is a programmable device that delivers liquid baclofen medication around the clock to the anterior region of the spinal cord for the treatment of severe to moderate to severe spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological diseases Which are resistant to oral drugs, and this method increases the effectiveness of the drug and reduces the side effects and risk of oral treatment.

Who is suitable for baclofen pump implantation?

Your doctor will consider several important factors in determining whether baclofen pump implant treatment is appropriate, including:

• A severe spasm that impedes daily living activities.
• Positive response to baclofen injection in the initial screening test.
• Sufficient physical volume to support the pump, which must be implanted 2.5 cm or less below the surface of the skin.
• The patient is free from any infection.
• Are not allergic to baclofen.

Initial screening test:

It is a test that is conducted before installing the pump to measure the effectiveness of the baclofen drug if it is injected into the intrathecal space, where the patient’s body reaction is monitored. If the experiment is successful, the patient may be a candidate for baclofen pump implantation. And in the event that the patient is a candidate, he can talk with people who have a baclofen pump and weigh the benefits and risks of the baclofen pump, in addition to discussing with the doctor and answering all inquiries to help him decide whether to undergo transplantation or not.

Baclofen pump implantation procedure:

The implantable pump surgery takes approximately one to two hours and is performed either in the hospital or on an outpatient basis but requires a short stay there.

During the procedure:

The procedure begins first by placing the patient under general anesthesia, after which the surgeon makes a surgical incision and then inserts the pump under the abdominal muscles in addition to inserting a small catheter (a thin, flexible silicone tube) through a needle into the cerebrospinal fluid space and passing it up (intrathecal around the spinal cord) where the drug is delivered) and finally the incision is closed with biodegradable suture material (stitches).

after the procedure

Patients stay in the hospital for a few days and the patient feels some discomfort at the site of the pump and catheter, so the doctor may prescribe medication to relieve any pain caused by the surgery, antibiotics to prevent infection, and fill a pump with medication during or after surgery, but some doctors recommend a short waiting period to allow the patient to recover from the surgery and adjust. With the pump, treatment begins as soon as the pump is filled with medicine and the medicine travels through the catheter into the intrathecal space. It may take some time to feel its effectiveness and adjust its optimal dose. The pump needs to be refilled every two months, depending on the size of the pump, concentration and dose. Refills are done in the office using a syringe and needle and take about fifteen minutes to complete.

What are the risks of a baclofen pump implant?

Possible complications of surgery include:

• Pain, numbness, weakness, or paralysis due to nerve damage (rare)
• Cerebrospinal fluid leak
• Bleeding/vascular injury
• infections
• Complications of general anesthesia

Possible organ complications

Potential complications of the device include:

• The catheter or pump moves inside the body or wears through the skin.
• Catheter leakage, rupture, puckering, or detachment resulting in low dose or no baclofen infusion.
• Pump failure leading to an overdose or intrathecal baclofen overdose.

Medication side effects

Side effects are temporary and can be managed with dose adjustments and include:

• Muscle relaxation.
• drowsiness.
• Stomach upset and vomiting.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.

Baclofen pump cultivation in Türkiye:

The medical staff of surgical teams, doctors and consultants in REHABTÜRK can provide the best treatment options and free consultations – by striving to keep abreast of the latest technologies and medical methods.

Ask for a free consultation.