Continuous spinal analgesia by means of micropumps[correction of micropumpus]: a report of 163 chronic pain patients.

Chronic pain in patients suffering from advanced cancer as well as unbearable chronic pain states depending on non-malignant pathology have always represented a test bench to verify results of advanced therapeutical programs as to more traditional approaches. The Authors present their experience resulting from longterm spinal infusion with peridural catheters connected to portable micropumps for the continuous administration of analgesic solutions. The availability of portable micropumps, a better understanding of spinal opioid receptors and advances in pharmacokinetics of opiate analgesics led in these years to a tremendous improvement of pain control possibilities and of the quality of life of patients.