Article Text
Unexpected outcome (positive or negative) including adverse drug reactions
CASE REPORT
Colonic perforation by an intrathecal baclofen pump catheter causing delayed Escherichia coli meningitis
Summary
Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) delivery via an implanted pump is frequently used for the treatment of spasticity. This is an effective and safe neurosurgical and pharmacological intervention associated with an improvement in patient quality of life. There is, however, a risk of device-related infection. We present a patient with pump-site infection and Escherichia coli meningitis secondary to transcolonic perforation of an intrathecal baclofen pump catheter. While this is rare, we review the intraoperative precautions and best practices that should be taken to prevent and manage this unusual complication.
- neurosurgery
- multiple sclerosis