Transoval administration of opiates into trigeminal cistern for cancer pain. Preliminary report

A new method for administration of opiates into the ventriculo-cisternal system for intractable pain due to cancer is presented. Five patients suffering from such pain underwent the permanent implantation of a subcutaneous reservoir connected to a thin catheter inserted into the trigeminal cistern. The indications are those of the intraventricular way. Percutaneous trigeminal opiates administration (PTO) proved to be a valid and simple alternative method to intrathecal and intraventricular morphine.