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Your PCIP at home

The Pain Control Infusion Pump (PCIP) is of benefit in the post operative period, you will be more comfortable and on your way to a quicker recovery.  During infusion the PCIP is completely portable and can be worn in the carry pouch provided.

Your health insurance fund will cover the cost of the pump. The PCIP delivers local anaesthetic at a constant rate to the surgical site by a small catheter (tube).  The flow rate is pre-set and cannot be changed.  Whilst the pump is delivering local anaesthetic automatically over a period of approximately 2 days, care of the pump is required from you.  You will still require additional oral analgesia, and you will be discharged from hospital with these.

It is important that you do not attempt to tamper with your PCIP in any way whilst the infusion is active.

DO NOT bathe or swim with the pump, you may shower.

If any complications arise with your PCIP, such as leakage, discomfort, excessive pain or any part of the unit becomes disconnected, please contact the PCIP nurse of which will be provided following surgery and prior to discharge from the hospital.

When your PCIP is empty

When your PCIP is empty, the ball will look deflated it is now time to remove the PCIP.  This can be done by the patient in the comfort of their own home following the steps below:

  1. Have a paper or plastic bag available for waste disposal, and a bandaid to cover the site after removal of the catheter.
  2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water
  3. Sit in a comfortable position, take a few deep breaths and relax
  4. Remove the dressing that covers the catheter site and discard into plastic bag
  5. Grasp the tube firmly and pull outward from the skin with a steady motion.  The tube should come out easily. You will feel a pulling sensation but should not feel pain.  If the tube begins to stretch excessively without releasing STOP the procedure and contact the PCIP nurse.
  6. The tube will be approximately 15cm long when pulled out.  There are 2 black marks on the end, please check they are both present.  Contact the PCIP nurse if you have any concerns.
  7. With the tube now removed, place a bandaid over the area and apply pressure for at least 1-2 minutes.

It is normal for there to be a leakage of clear or pinkish fluid from the removal site that can last for a few hours.  You may need to change the bandaid during this time.  You ay now shower and get this area of your arm we.

Report to your our rooms for your followup consultation as planned.  If any problems or questions arise, please call us on 07 5526 4488.

Alternatively you could consider phoning our rooms to schedule an appointment to have the pump removed.

 

 

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Level 2 - Building G, Southport Central 27 Garden Street (carpark entrance via Lawson St) Southport

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