Epidural administration of opiates by a new device.

Epidural administration of opiates as a long-term treatment of cancer pain, even for out-patients, is now well established. Most reports describe intermittent injections given several times a day, which may have technical and personal disadvantages. Continuous epidural infusion may be preferable. This report describes 16 patients who were treated with epidural opiates delivered by plastic infusion pumps. Pain relief was effective, the equipment was inexpensive and home treatment was easily accomplished.