A pain pump is used to administer certain drugs directly to your spinal cord to help reduce pain. Pain pumps are placed surgically. They can be used for a short period of time (only up to 24 hours after your surgery) or for a long period of time (months or years).
Exparel isn’t administered using a pain pump. Instead, it’s injected into the area of your body where you’re having surgery.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend using certain drugs with a pain pump rather than using Exparel. They’ll do this if they feel the drugs given by a pain pump will work better for you than Exparel will.
It’s important to discuss pain management options with your doctor before your surgery date. They’ll advise a plan that’s best for your care.