Baclofen Pump Placement
A baclofen pump is a device that is implanted to provide a continuous infusion of baclofen, a medication to reduce muscle spasticity.
The main part of the pump is surgically placed in the abdomen, then a catheter from the pump goes around to the back where it is threaded into the intrathecal space (the space around the spinal cord that holds the cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]). There will be two incisions, one on the abdomen and one on the back.
The pump is filled with baclofen and is turned on with a computer to continuously infuse the medicine into the cerebral-spinal fluid space. The medication is refilled into the pump as needed with a needle.
What should I expect after the procedure?
Your child will go to the Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU) after surgery. After you have spoken to the surgeon and when you receive a call from the PACU, you may join your child.
Your child may experience moderate pain when the anesthesia wears off, in which case further pain medications will be available. Your child may also experience nausea and vomiting during the first post operative day. After recovering from the immediate anesthesia effects, your child will be admitted to the hospital for 1-2 days.
When your child is drinking well, is able to sit up comfortably, has his / her pain under control and there is no evidence of surgical complication, he / she will be discharged home.
Your child will come to the Neurosurgery Pediatric Nurse Practitioner clinic for a wound check in 10-14 days. On that day, you will also see the Rehabilitation nurse or doctor, who will be managing the baclofen dosing and refilling.
How should I care for my child?
Your child's dressings will be left on until the wound check appointment in 7-10 days. Until the incisions show adequate healing, your child should not be submerged in the bathtub, but may take sponge baths or showers. Tylenol" around the clock is recommended until you have been home one or two days. After that, continue the Tylenol" as needed.
Follow-up Procedures
- The dressings will be removed at the first clinic visit.
- The Rehabilitation Team will manage the baclofen refills.
- The battery life of the pump is 5 to 7 years. At that time, the pump will be replaced in the abdomen. This is an outpatient surgical procedure.
When to Call Your Doctor
Routine follow-up is important to identify any potential problems early, when they can be treated most easily. Please contact your nurse or doctor prior to discharge for your first appointment (to be scheduled 10-14 days after surgery).
What are some warning signs that should concern me?
Call the doctor immediately if your child experiences any of the following before your next scheduled visit:
- Severe headache that does not stop with Tylenol" and rest
- Excessive vomiting (when nothing stays down)
- Confusion or excessive sleepiness
- Fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Redness and / or drainage at the incision
- Slurred speech
- Double or blurred vision
- Itching
- Very loose muscle tone or increased muscle tone
Patient Education Program 3120 8/02; Rev. 6/05
