Percutaneous epidural catheterization for intractable pain in terminal cancer patients.
We examined the effects of long-term percutaneous epidural catheterization for pain relief in nine terminally ill gynecologic cancer patients. All patients were free of side-effects such as respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, or pruritus. Analgesia was excellent in six patients. Puncture-site skin inflammation occurred in four patients. Catheter dislodgement occurred in three patients. Although percutaneous epidural catheters were well tolerated in a few patients for an extended period of time, the frequency of catheter problems demonstrate that other methods such as catheter tunneling or implantable systems should be considered for long-term epidural administration of narcotics. This method appears to be most effective in patients suffering from pain due to nerve root involvement.
Ali
N M
NM
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington 06032.
Hanna
N
N
Hoffman
J S
JS
D015360:Analgesia, Epidural; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000150:complications
D009020:Morphine