Use of an intravenous port catheter for the delivery of intrathecal morphine in a terminally ill cancer patient with pain

Abstract

We present a case of a terminally ill cancer patient with metastasis who was suffering from inadequate pain control despite high doses of systemic opioid administration. In addition, her quality of life was significantly impaired due to opioid-induced troublesome side effects. In the situation as above, intrathecal opioid administration has established as a safe and effective therapeutic option with a positive benefit–risk ratio. This case reports a novel technique, where an intravenous port catheter was used to administer intrathecal opioid.