This report describes the long term safety and efficacy of intrathecal
therapy using
Sufentanil for the management of chronic intractable
neuropathic pain in 12
chronic pain patients. Standardized psychological screening was used to determine treatment suitability. Evaluation data included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Wong-Baker Faces Scale, Brief
Pain Inventory (BPI), Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire, and complications (
granulomas, toxicity, withdrawal, or deaths). SPSS version 18 was used for data analysis. Pre- and post- treatment BPI measures and
pain scale scores showed a statistically significant difference. There were no complications directly related to
drug toxicity, nor
drug withdrawals,
granulomas, or deaths. Intrathecal
therapy with
Sufentanil therapy offers a good treatment alternative for those cases that have failed both surgery and standard
pain treatment. Strict patient selection based on psychological screening, control of co-morbidities, a proper
pain management may contribute to successful outcome.