Removal of Intrathecal Catheters Used in Drug Delivery Systems

Implanted intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS) are increasingly used in the treatment of spasticity and in patients with refractory pain. Literature discussing complications associated with intrathecal pump placement is widely available. However, reports of complications following the removal of chronically placed catheters are scarce. We reviewed our series of patients who had surgery to remove the intrathecal catheter.

Retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent surgery to remove a catheter linked to an IDDS between 2010 and 2016. Patients older than 18 years were included in final analysis. Demographic (including age at removal, sex, BMI, and comorbidities) and etiologic characteristics (indications of IDDS implant and explant, interval between implant and explant, and concomitant surgery) were analyzed. Simple logistic regression was performed to seek any potential predictor of complications.

Fifty-nine patients underwent removal of their intrathecal catheter after variable periods (mean interval of 189 months). On eight occasions, patients developed complications after catheter removal (mean interval between implant and explant was 76 months for these cases). Retained catheter was the cause of complications in half of these occasions. Persistent cerebrospinal fluid leak was the next most common complication, with requirement of an external ventricular drain and lumbar drain to facilitate wound healing on two separate occasions.

Removal of an intrathecal catheter from IDDS systems may cause complications that in some cases require additional surgery.