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Intrathecal Ziconotide Long-Term Management in Chronic Postamputation Pain
Rafael Galvez Mateos1, Nicolás Cordero Tous2, Majed Katati2
1Pain Unit, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain, hvn.es.
Case Reports in Anesthesiology
|August 4, 2026
Summary
Intrathecal ziconotide infusion effectively managed a young patient's intractable residual limb pain for 15 years, enabling opioid withdrawal and functional recovery. This treatment demonstrated long-term safety and tolerability.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intractable residual limb pain poses significant challenges.
- Opioid therapy can lead to overuse and complications.
- Alternative long-term analgesic strategies are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a clinical case of long-term intrathecal ziconotide infusion for intractable residual limb pain.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal ziconotide in a young patient.
Main Methods:
- A young patient with intractable residual limb pain was treated with intrathecal ziconotide infusion.
- Opioid therapy was discontinued.
- Pain control, functional recovery, and treatment tolerability were monitored over 15 years.
Main Results:
- Sustained analgesic control was achieved with intrathecal ziconotide infusion.
- Complete opioid withdrawal was successful.
- Excellent functional recovery was observed.
- The treatment showed good long-term tolerability and safety.
Conclusions:
- Intrathecal ziconotide infusion is a viable long-term treatment option for intractable residual limb pain.
- It can facilitate opioid withdrawal and improve functional outcomes.
- Long-term safety and tolerability were confirmed in this case study.
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