Placement of an implantable drug delivery system under the breast.
OBJECTIVE
Our case will demonstrate a safe and practical alternative location for an implantable drug delivery system (IDDS) pump. Traditionally, these pumps have been placed subcutaneously in the lower abdomen. We will describe the technique used for under the breast placement.


METHODS
The patient was a 52-year-old female with metastatic colon cancer and chronic flank pain.


RESULTS
The pump was placed in the retromammary location with no complications or problems with patient discomfort. Adequate pain control was achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
The retromammary location for the IDDS pump is a safe and aesthetically pleasing option for some patients. This location is a useful alternative for female cachectic patients, or patients with abdominal ostomies.
Compoginis
John M
JM
Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA.
Richeimer
Steven H
SH
Brody
Garry S
GS
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy; D000577:Amides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001940:Breast / Q000601:surgery*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D003125:Colostomy; D005260:Female; D021501:Flank Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D004091:Hydromorphone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*
D000577:Amides; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D004091:Hydromorphone