Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-023-03959-1 · Published: May 17, 2023
This case report describes a surgical procedure performed on a 61-year-old man with lumbar spinal stenosis who was already undergoing intrathecal baclofen therapy for spasticity. The surgery involved decompression of the lumbar spinal stenosis at the site where the intrathecal catheter was inserted. The surgeons took precautions to avoid damaging the intrathecal catheter during the decompression surgery, and the patient experienced improvement in lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms while continuing to receive effective spasticity management from the intrathecal baclofen therapy.
Surgeons should be aware of the potential need to replace the intrathecal catheter during surgery and prepare accordingly.
Meticulous surgical technique, including the use of a microscope and nerve root retractors, is crucial to protect the intrathecal catheter and spinal cord.
Close monitoring for ITB withdrawal syndrome is necessary to prevent interruption of baclofen delivery.