Endoscopy-assisted intrathecal morphine pump implantation for severe cancer pain: a case report

Front Oncol. 2026 Apr 24;16:1618305. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1618305. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

This article presents a successful case of endoscopic-assisted intrathecal morphine pump implantation for the treatment of cancer pain associated with bone metastases. The patient was a 45-year-old female with severe cancer pain resulting from multiple bone metastases of rectal malignancy, which was poorly managed by the traditional three-step analgesic ladder. Preoperative intrathecal test puncture was attempted at multiple spinal levels but failed to access the intrathecal space. Subsequently, an endoscopic-assisted intrathecal morphine pump implantation was successfully performed at the L5-S1 level. Postoperatively, the patient achieved marked and sustained pain relief, accompanied by a dramatic improvement in her quality of life. No significant complications were observed during a 6-month follow-up. This technique provides a new therapeutic option for cancer pain patients who encounter difficulties with standard pump implantation procedures, demonstrating considerable potential for clinical application.

PMID:42109646 | PMC:PMC13152723 | DOI:10.3389/fonc.2026.1618305