Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the evidence of the use of intrathecal therapy in patients with neuropathic pain, in addition to demonstrating the advantages of using intrathecal therapy over oral opioid therapy and to compare the most commonly used medications in this therapy, as well as their indications and side effects. Methods: This is an integrative review with bibliographic research through the following databases: US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health (PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO) and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Sciences (LILACS) and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE). Combinations of the terms were used: “opioid” AND “intrathecal” AND “neuropathic pain” and “morphine” AND “intrathecal” AND “neuropathic pain”. Results: 11 articles were included in this review. The articles addressed the differences in intrathecal therapy in patients with cancer-related and unrelated chronic pain, types of medications and adverse effects. Final considerations: Intrathecal therapy has a great benefit for patients with refractory neuropathic pain, and even though there are limitations and controversies in the studies, the studies prove that the efficacy and safety outweigh the possible risks.