Intrathecal opioids: hardly a panacea.

Abstract

Multiple ethical issues/questions arise from this case study, including: 1. Does the patient's history indicate that she is an appropriate candidate for intrathecal pump placement? 2. What are the patient's specific risks and benefits of intrathecal therapy, and do the potential benefits outweigh the risks? 3. What are the conditions that will optimize the patient's safety and response to intrathecal pain medication? In regard to whether or not the patient is appropriate for an intrathecal pump, Dr. Loeser notes that “escalating rapid-acting opioids is ominous.” Indeed, there is the question of the ethics of implanting a device that would perpetuate administration of an apparently ineffectual medication on a more permanent basis and with increased health risks. …