A case report on the treatment of intractable anal pain from metastatic carcinoma of the cervix.
BACKGROUND
Cancer pain in the terminally ill often poses great therapeutic dilemma. Opioids, whilst being useful in most cases, often leaves a patient heavily sedated and constipated at high doses and sometimes, in persistent agony from cancer pain.


METHODS
An Indian lady who suffered from metastatic carcinoma of the cervix experienced tremendous pain and disability despite high doses of narcotics and membrane stabilizers.


METHODS
A ganglion of impar block and superior hypogastric plexus block were performed with a neurolytic agent.


RESULTS
The patient's pain and opioids usage were markedly reduced.


CONCLUSIONS
Neurolytic nerve block can offer a great therapeutic option in selected cancer patients.
Yeo
S N
SN
Department of Anaesthesia, Pain Management Service and Surgical Intensive Care, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608.
Chong
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D001003:Anal Canal; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001340:Autonomic Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000556:secondary*; D005260:Female; D005725:Ganglia, Autonomic; D006801:Humans; D007001:Hypogastric Plexus; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000556:secondary*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine