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 Epidural analgesia for intractable cancer pain - An old story used until now

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-24
Author(s):  
Marija Sholjakova ◽  
Biljana Kuzmanovska ◽  
Vesna Durnev ◽  
Adrijan Kartalov ◽  
Rozalinda Isjanovska
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Epidural Analgesia ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Intractable Pain ◽  
Morphine Group ◽  
Urine Retention ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Chronic Severe Pain ◽  
Intractable Cancer Pain ◽  
The University

Intractable cancer pain is a chronic severe pain, affecting patient’s quality of life and presents aheavy health, social and family problem in many countries. Different methods for pain relief are proposed by the WHO. Epidural analgesia with opioids is one of the proposed methods. Aim of the study was to determine the effects of morphine, fentanyl and butorphanol used for epidural analgesia in intractable pain and to comment our experiences over a five-year-period, with regard to its actuality nowadays. Material and methods: Retrospective longitudinal observational study was carried at the University Clinic for Anesthesiology, Reanimation and Intensive Care in Skopje, Macedonia, between 2005-2010 and evaluated in 2017-2018. A total of 116 patients suffering from intractable pain were enrolled in the study. Exclusion criteria were: infective and metastatic processes in the spine, allergy to opioids, psychological problems and language barrier. After the pretreatment evaluation of the pain, patients were randomly assigned to receive three different opioids through epidural catheter placed from Th8-10 or L2-3. Results: There were no differences in pretreatment pain scores between the three groups (p>0.05). A significant onset of analgesia after 15 minutes was found for butorphanol, 20 minutes for fentanyl and 30 minutes for morphine group (p<0.05). The duration of the pain relief of butorphanol vs. fentanyl vs. morphine was 6h vs. 8h vs. 24 hours respectively.  Morphine had the longest duration of pain relief (p<0.05). Because of an increase in the pain threshold, the need of an increase of opioid doses was necessary. The most often patient’s reports of side effects were: itching, constipation, urine retention and bradypnea and there were no reports of nausea and vomiting. Conclusions: It was concluded that epidural analgesia with opioids is an effective and safe method for suppression of intractable pain.  In spite of the other alternatives in treatment of cancer pain, epidural analgesia with opioids still has an eminent place and its use is a challenge for professionals

scholarly journals Ct-guided high level percutaneous cervical cordotomy for intractable cancer pain

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmet Bekar ◽  
M Ozgur Taskapilioglu ◽  
Pinar Eser ◽  
Hulya Bilgin
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Ct Guided ◽  
High Level ◽  
Intractable Cancer Pain

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.

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 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 Peripheral and Neuraxial Chemical Neurolysis for the Management of Intractable Lower Extremity Pain in a Patient with Terminal Cancer

2015 ◽  
Vol 18;4 (4;18) ◽  
pp. E651-E656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario De Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Femoral Nerve ◽  
Stage Iv ◽  
Left Lower Extremity ◽  
Complete Pain Relief ◽  
Adequate Pain Relief ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Intractable Cancer Pain

We present the case of a 74-year-old man with Stage IV metastatic, multifocal, malignant fibrous histiocytoma (T2b, N1, M1, G4) invading the proximal area of the left lower extremity and resulting in intractable neuropathic pain along the distribution of the femoral nerve. He described the pain as being so severe to cause inability to ambulate without assistance or to sleep in a supine or prone position. After a spinal cord stimulation trial and a trial of intrathecal (IT) hydromorphone, both performed at an outside institution, had failed to achieve adequate pain relief, we decided to perform a femoral nerve chemical neurolysis with phenol under ultrasound (US) guidance. The intervention provided 6 months of almost complete pain relief. With the tumor spreading in girth distally and proximally to the scrotal and pelvic areas as well as to the lungs, and pain returning back to baseline, we proceeded with a second femoral nerve chemical neurolysis. Unfortunately we were not able to achieve adequate pain relief. Therefore we opted to proceed with a diagnostic injection of local anesthetic under fluoroscopic guidance at the left L2, L3, and L4 nerve roots level. This intervention provided 100% pain relief and was followed, a few days later, by chemical neurolysis with phenol 3%. The patient reported complete pain relief with the procedure and no sensory-motor related side effects or complications. He was able to enjoy the last 6 weeks of life with his wife and family, pain-free. With this report we add to the limited literature available regarding the management of intractable cancer pain with chemical neurolysis in and around the epidural space. Key words: Cancer, pain, chemical neurolysis, peripheral, neuraxial

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document