A Novel Skin and Fascia Opening for Subfascial Inserting of Intrathecal Baclofen Pump.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to introduce a new skin and fascia opening for intrathecal baclofen pump implantation in the abdomen, with the purpose of reducing complications related to wound breakdown.

METHODS

We introduce a novel way of cutaneous and fascial opening that leads two opposed "L shaped" incisions.

RESULTS

This method entails numerous advantages. The first advantage is avoiding the direct alignment of overlapped sutures, which creates a locus minoris resistentiae that can weaken and break under the push of the pump. Another advantage consists of an increased obstruction against deep extension of infective processes from cutaneous origin. The wide opening of the subfascial pocket permits the implantation of any type of pump available, and it reduces complexities in reopening the pouch for pump replacement. It also permits the fastening of all anchoring systems usually present in pumps. Another advantage is the improved possibility of careful muscle cauterization thanks to the wide fascia opening, with reduced risk of postsurgical hematoma. Our results showed a reduction of wound complications with this method.

CONCLUSIONS

This method could contribute to reducing the rate of wound complications and patient discomfort.