The American journal of hospice & palliative care
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Dyspnea, the sensation of difficult breathing, is a common debilitating symptom in advanced cancer and chronic progressive cardiopulmonary disease. Primary treatment is correction of the underlying etiology. In incurable illness wherein the cause is irreversible and the goal is palliation, opioids are the drugs of choice for symptomatic relief. This article reviews current knowledge in the pathophysiology of dyspnea, proposed opioid mechanism of action, and evidence of efficacy.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Jan 2003
Review Case ReportsPhenol saddle blocks for intractable pain at end of life: report of four cases and literature review.
Four cancer patients with prior bladder diversions had phenol neurolytic saddle blocks performed for intractable pelvi-sacral pain. All patients had advanced disease, the focus of their treatment being palliative. ⋯ No significant block-related adverse effects were encountered. The value and technical aspects of intrathecal saddle blocks in end-of-life pain management is discussed.