Intraoperative Neurophysiology for Optimization of Percutaneous Spinothalamic Cordotomy for Intractable Cancer Pain

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yechiam Sapir ◽  
Akiva Korn ◽  
Yifat Bitan-Talmor ◽  
Irina Vendrov ◽  
Assaf Berger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Motor Deficit ◽  
Intensity Difference ◽  
Sensory Threshold ◽  
Intractable Pain ◽  
Spinothalamic Tract ◽  
Intramedullary Spinal Cord ◽  
Stimulation Intensity ◽  
Intractable Cancer Pain

Abstract BACKGROUND Percutaneous ablation of the cervical spinothalamic tract (STT) remains a therapeutic remedy for intractable cancer pain. However, it is accompanied by the risk of collateral damage to essential spinal cord circuitry, including the corticospinal tract (CST). Recent studies describe threshold-based mapping of the CST with the objective of motor bundle preservation during intramedullary spinal cord and supratentorial surgery. OBJECTIVE To assess the possibility that application of spinal cord mapping using intraoperative neuromonitoring in percutaneous cordotomy procedures may aid in minimizing iatrogenic motor tract injury. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the files of 11 patients who underwent percutaneous cervical cordotomy for intractable oncological pain. We performed quantitative electromyogram (EMG) recordings to stimulation of the ablation needle prior to the STT-ablative stage. We compared evoked motor and sensory electrical thresholds, and the electrical span between them as a reliable method to confirm safe electrode location inside the STT. RESULTS Quantified EMG data were collected in 11 patients suffering from intractable cancer pain. The threshold range for evoking motor activity was 0.3 to 1.2 V. Stimulation artifacts were detected from trapezius muscles even at the lowest stimulation intensity, while thenar muscles were found to be maximally sensitive and specific. The minimal stimulation intensity difference between the motor and the sensory threshold, set as “Δ-threshold,” was 0.26 V, with no new motor deficit at 3 days or 1 month postoperatively. CONCLUSION Selective STT ablation is an effective procedure for treating intractable pain. It can be aided by quantitative evoked EMG recordings, with tailored parameters and thresholds.

scholarly journals Cordotomy for Intractable Cancer Pain: A Narrative Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 3;23 (6;3) ◽  
pp. 283-292
Author(s):  
Salahadin Salahadin
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Intractable Pain ◽  
Spinothalamic Tract ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Percutaneous Cordotomy ◽  
Intractable Cancer Pain ◽  
Pain Improvement

Background: Cordotomy is an invasive procedure for the management of intractable pain not controlled by conventional therapies, such as analgesics or nerve block. This procedure involves mechanical disruption of nociceptive pathways in the anterolateral column, specifically the spinothalamic and spinoreticular pathways to relieve pain while preserving fine touch and proprioceptive tracts. Objectives: The purpose of this review article is to refresh our knowledge of cordotomy and support its continued use in managing intractable pain due to malignant disease. Study Design: This is a review article with the goal of reviewing and summarizing the pertinent case reports, case series, retrospective studies, prospective studies, and review articles published from 2010 onward on spinal cordotomy. Setting: The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Methods: PubMed search of keywords “spinal cordotomy,” “percutaneous cordotomy,” or “open cordotomy” was undertaken. Search results were organized by year of publication. Results: Cordotomy can be performed via percutaneous, open, endoscopic, or transdiscal approach. Percutaneous image-guided approach is the most well-studied and reported technique compared with others, with relatively good pain improvement both in the postoperative and shortterm period. The use of open cordotomy has diminished significantly in recent years because of the advent of other less invasive approaches. Cordotomy in children, although rare, has been described in some case reports and case series with reported pain improvement postprocedure. Although complications can vary broadly, some reported side effects include ataxia and paresis due to lesion in the spinocerebellar/corticospinal tract; respiratory failure due to lesion in the reticulospinal tract; or sympathetic dysfunction, bladder dysfunctions, or Horner syndrome due to unintentional lesions in the spinothalamic tract. Limitations: Review article included literature published only in English. For the studies reviewed, the sample size was relatively small and the patient population was heterogeneous (in terms of underlying disease process, duration of symptoms, previous treatment attempted and length of follow-up). Conclusions: Cordotomy results in selective loss of pain and temperature perception on the contralateral side, up to several segments below the level of the disruption. The plethora of analgesics available and advanced technologies have reduced the demand for cordotomy in the management of intractable pain. However, some patients with pain unresponsive to medical and procedural management, particularly malignant pain, may benefit from this procedure, and it is a viable treatment option especially for patients with a limited life expectancy whose severe, unilateral pain is unresponsive to analgesic medications. Key words: Cancer pain, cordotomy complications, cordotomy indications, intractable pain, open cordotomy, percutaneous cordotomy

Tailoring of neurosurgical ablative procedures in the management of refractory cancer pain

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (9) ◽  
pp. 696-701
Author(s):  
Uri Hochberg ◽  
Asaf Berger ◽  
Miri Atias ◽  
Rotem Tellem ◽  
Ido Strauss
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Metastatic Cancer ◽  
Spinothalamic Tract ◽  
Pain Syndromes ◽  
Intractable Cancer Pain ◽  
Ablative Procedures

IntroductionNeurosurgical ablative procedures can offer immediate and effective pain relief for patients suffering from refractory cancer pain. However, choosing the appropriate procedure for each patient may not be straightforward and warrants an interdisciplinary approach. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with cancer who were carefully selected for neurosurgical intervention by a dedicated interdisciplinary team composed of a palliative physician and nurse practitioner, a pain specialist and a neurosurgeon.MethodsA retrospective review was carried out on all patients who underwent neurosurgical ablative procedures in our institute between March 2015 and September 2019. All patients had advanced metastatic cancer with unfavorable prognosis and suffered from intractable oncological pain. Each treatment plan was devised to address the patients’ specific pain syndromes.ResultsA total of 204 patients were examined by our service during the study period. Sixty-four patients with localized pain and nineteen patients with diffuse pain syndromes were selected for neurosurgical interventions, either targeted disconnection of the spinothalamic tract or stereotactic cingulotomy. Substantial pain relief was reported by both groups immediately (cordotomy: Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) 9 ≥1, p=0.001, cingulotomy: NRS 9 ≥2, p=0.001) and maintained along the next 3-month follow-up visits.ConclusionsAn interdisciplinary collaboration designated to provide neurosurgical ablative procedures among carefully selected patients could culminate in substantial relief of intractable cancer pain.Trial registration numberIR0354-17.

scholarly journals Computerized tomography-guided percutaneous extralemniscal myelotomy

1997 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. E7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yücel Kanpolat ◽  
Ali Savas ◽  
Sükrü Çaglar ◽  
Serdar Akyar
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Computerized Tomography ◽  
Intractable Pain ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Neurophysiological Mechanism ◽  
Ct Guided ◽  
Cervicomedullary Junction ◽  
Total Pain ◽  
Intractable Cancer Pain

Extralemniscal myelotomy (ELM) is a procedure performed at the cervicomedullary junction of the spinal cord in which the central cord is lesioned to treat intractable pain. The neurophysiological mechanism of pain relief after ELM remains unclear. The authors present a series of 14 patients with intractable cancer pain who were managed by CT-guided, percutaneous ELM. In six of the cases (42.8%), total pain relief was achieved; partial satisfactory pain relief was attained in four cases (28.5%), and no pain control was achieved in four cases (28.5%). No complications due to ELM were observed. The authors believe that ELM is a safe and effective procedure in the management of intractable cancer pain for selected cases; computerized tomography guidance is an essential part of the procedure to achieve morphological localization of the target in the cervicomedullary junction. More research is needed to understand the neurophysiological mechanism of pain relief after ELM and to standardize the lesion volume.

scholarly journals Intracerebroventricular Pain Treatment with Analgesic Mixtures including Ziconotide for Intractable Pain

2016 ◽  
Vol 6;19 (6;7) ◽  
pp. E905-E915
Author(s):  
Hélène Staquet
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Third Ventricle ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Intractable Pain ◽  
Intracerebroventricular Infusion ◽  
Intractable Cancer Pain

Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of opioids for control of intractable cancer pain has been used since 1982. We present here our experience of intracerebroventricular administration of pain treatments including ziconotide associated with morphine and ropivacaine for patients resistant to a conventional approach, with nociceptive, neuropathic, or mixed pain. These clinical cases were conducted with patients suffering from refractory pain, more than 6/10 on a numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) while on high-dose medical treatment and/ or intolerance with significant side effects from oral medication. The baseline study visit included a physical examination and an assessment of pain intensity on a NPRS. Under general anesthesia, a neuronavigation device was used to place the catheter on the floor of the third ventricle, supported by an endoscope. Then, drugs were injected in the cerebroventricular system, through a pump (external or subcutaneous). The primary objective was to measure pain evaluation with ICV treatment after a complete withdrawal of other medications. Four patients were enrolled: 3 with intractable cancer pain and one with central neuropathic pain. The median NPRS at baseline was 9.5 [8.5; 19]. The mean NPRS after one month was 3.5 [3; 4.5]. Ziconotide was initiated at 0.48 µg/dy and up to a median of 1.2 µg/dy [1.0; 1.56]. The median dose of morphine and ropivacaine used initially was respectively 0.36 mg/dy [0.24; 0.66] up to 0.6 mg/dy [0.45; 4.63] and 1.2 mg/dy [0; 2.4] up to 2.23 mg/dy [1.2; 3.35]. Minor side effects were initially observed but transiently. One psychiatric agitation required discontinuation of ziconotide infusion. For intractable pain, using ziconotide by intracerebroventricular infusion seems safe and efficient, specifically for chronic neoplastic pain of cervicocephalic, thoracic, or diffuse origin and also for pain arising from a central neuropathic mechanism. Key words: Intracerebroventricular infusion, ziconotide, intractable pain, nociceptive and neuropathic pain

scholarly journals Intrathecal Infusions for Intractable Cancer Pain: A Qualitative Study of the Impact on a Case Series of Patients and Caregivers

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 371-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippa Hawley ◽  
Elizabeth Beddard-Huber ◽  
Cameron Grose ◽  
William McDonald ◽  
Daphne Lobb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Palliative Care Unit ◽  
Intractable Pain ◽  
Management Service ◽  
Palliative Care Setting ◽  
Intractable Cancer Pain ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Intrathecal Infusion

BACKGROUND: The need for intrathecal infusion in a palliative care setting is infrequent. Despite established efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness, this is considered an ‘extraordinary measure’ in Canada. Patients requiring this approach are not typical palliative care patients, having shorter and more uncertain life expectancies.OBJECTIVES: The present study is a qualitative exploration of the impact of intrathecal pump implantation on cancer patients, and also the impact of the intervention on the staff caring for those patients.METHODS: Palliative care unit patients who received an implanted intrathecal pump or dome catheter for intractable cancer pain participated in multiple semistructured interviews. Doctors and nurses caring for each patient were also interviewed. Interviews were recorded and analyzed for themes. The study terminated when saturation was reached.RESULTS: Six patients participated, with up to three interviews each. Twenty-four staff interviews took place. Patients’ hopes and expectations were not always fully met, but the infusions had a profound positive effect on quality of life. Patients expressed anxiety about dependence on the device, and also on a few highly skilled individuals. Staff interviews revealed a significant impact on the ‘culture’ of the palliative care unit. Clear communication of the rationale for infusion was very important, as was regular education about infusion management.CONCLUSIONS: Implanted intrathecal infusion devices are a necessary part of a tertiary level cancer pain management service for the unfortunate minority with intractable pain. Practical recommendations for care are made for palliative care programs contemplating offering intrathecal infusions.

scholarly journals Microendoscopy-guided percutaneous cordotomy for intractable pain: case series of 24 patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 124 (2) ◽  
pp. 389-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erich Talamoni Fonoff ◽  
William Omar Contreras Lopez ◽  
Ywzhe Sifuentes Almeida de Oliveira ◽  
Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Intractable Pain ◽  
Total Recovery ◽  
Percutaneous Cordotomy ◽  
Real Time Visualization ◽  
Intractable Cancer Pain ◽  
Double Channel

OBJECT The aim of this study was to show that microendoscopic guidance using a double-channel technique could be safely applied during percutaneous cordotomy and provides clear real-time visualization of the spinal cord and surrounding structures during the entire procedure. METHODS Twenty-four adult patients with intractable cancer pain were treated by microendoscopic-guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) cordotomy using the double-channel technique under local anesthesia. A percutaneous lateral puncture was performed initially under fluoroscopy guidance to localize the target. When the subarachnoid space was reached by the guiding cannula, the endoscope was inserted for visualization of the spinal cord and surrounding structures. After target visualization, a second needle was inserted to guide the RF electrode. Cordotomy was performed by a standard RF method. RESULTS The microendoscopic double-channel approach provided real-time visualization of the target in 91% of the cases. The other 9% of procedures were performed by the single-channel technique. Significant analgesia was achieved in over 90% of the cases. Two patients had transient ataxia that lasted for a few weeks until total recovery. CONCLUSIONS The use of percutaneous microendoscopic cordotomy with the double-channel technique is useful for specific manipulations of the spinal cord. It provides real-time visualization of the RF probe, thereby adding a degree of safety to the procedure.

Gamma knife surgery for cancer pain—pituitary gland—stalk ablation: a multicenter prospective protocol since 2002

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 433-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Motohiro Hayashi ◽  
Takaomi Taira ◽  
Mikhail Chernov ◽  
Seiji Fukuoka ◽  
Roman Liscak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Metastasis ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Intractable Pain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intractable Cancer Pain ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors have treated intractable pain, particularly cancer pain related to bone metastasis, with various protocols. Cancer pain has been treated by gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS), targeted to the pituitary gland—stalk, as an alternative new pain control method. The purpose of this study was to investigate a prospective multicenter protocol to prove the efficacy and the safety of this treatment. Methods. Indications for patient inclusion in this treatment protocol were: 1) pain related to bone metastasis; 2) no other effective pain treatment options; 3) general condition rated as greater than 40 on the Karnofsky Performance Scale; 4) morphine effective for pain control; and 5) no previous treatment with radiation (GKS or conventional radiotherapy) for brain metastasis. The authors at one institution have treated two patients, who suffered from severe cancer pain related to bone metastasis, by using GKS. The target was the pituitary gland. The maximum dose was 160 Gy with one isocenter of an 8-mm collimator, keeping the radiation dose to the optic nerve less than 8 Gy. At another institution two patients were treated in the same way; an additional five patients were treated similarly with targeting of the pituitary gland with two isocenters of 4-mm collimator. In all nine cases, pain resolved without significant complication. Pain relief was observed within several days, and this effect was prolonged until the day that they died. At a follow up of 1 to 24 months, no recurrences and no hormonal dysfunction were observed. Conclusions. Despite insufficient experience, the efficacy and the safety of GKS for intractable pain were demonstrated in nine patients. This treatment has the potential to ameliorate cancer-related pain, and GKS will play a more important role in the treatment of intractable pain. More experience and additional refined study protocols are needed to evaluate which parameters are important, to determine what treatment strategy is the best, and to clarify the safest option for patients with intractable cancer pain.

The Initial Use of Free-running Electromyography to Detect Early Motor Tract Injury during Resection of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Lesions

2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (suppl_4) ◽  
pp. ONS-299-ONS-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley A. Skinner ◽  
Mahmoud Nagib ◽  
Thomas A. Bergman ◽  
Robert E. Maxwell ◽  
Gaspar Msangi
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Motor Deficit ◽  
Spinal Cord Lesions ◽  
Blood Pressure Elevation ◽  
Intramedullary Spinal Cord ◽  
Free Running

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The resection of intramedullary spinal cord lesions (ISCLs) can be complicated by neurological deficits. Neuromonitoring has been used to reduce intraoperative risk. We have used somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and muscle-derived transcranial electrical motor evoked potentials (myogenic TCE-MEPs) to monitor ISCL removal. We report our retrospective experience with the addition of free-running electromyography (EMG). METHODS: Thirteen patients underwent 14 monitored ISCL excisions. Anesthesia was maintained with minimal inhalant to reduce motoneuron suppression and enhance the myogenic TCE-MEPs. Free-running EMG was examined in the four limbs for evidence of abnormal bursts, prolonged tonic discharge, or sudden electrical silence. Warning of an electromyographic abnormality or myogenic TCE-MEP loss prompted interventions, including blood pressure elevation, a pause in surgery, a wake-up test, or termination of surgery. Pre- and postoperative neurological examinations determined the incidence of new deficits. RESULTS: The combined use of free-running EMG and myogenic TCE-MEPs detected all eight patients with a new motor deficit after surgery; there was one false-positive report. In three of the eight true-positive cases, an electromyographic abnormality immediately anticipated loss of the myogenic TCE-MEPs. Two patients with abnormal EMGs but unchanged myogenic TCE-MEPs experienced mild postoperative worsening of motor deficits; myogenic TCE-MEPs alone would have generated false-negative reports in these cases. CONCLUSION: During resection of ISCLs, free-running EMG can supplement motor tract monitoring by TCE-MEPs. Segmental and suprasegmental elicitation of neurotonic discharges can be observed in four-limb EMG. Abnormal electromyographic bursts, tonic discharge, or abrupt electromyographic silence may anticipate myogenic TCE-MEP loss and predict a postoperative motor deficit.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document