Seminars in surgical oncology
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Inadequate pain relief remains a problem for many patients with cancer. Narcotic administration by the epidural or subarachnoid route is a relatively recent innovation and is indicated when pain is poorly controlled with high doses of systemic narcotics, or when patients experience limiting narcotic side effects. ⋯ Epidural and intrathecal administration of narcotics is an alternative when oral narcotics are ineffective. In this report the term "intraspinal" refers to epidural and/or subarachnoid placement of catheters and drugs.
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After the first 5 years of life, cancer is one of the three most common causes of death. Most investigations of cancer pain have shown that 50-70% of patients suffer needlessly. Pain may be due to the tumor or a co-existant benign pain syndrome. ⋯ In summary, we utilize every possible combination of therapeutic modalities for cancer pain management. With so many safe procedures available, we encourage the primary physician to refer patients early in their disease process. Neurolytic procedures should be performed prior to initiation of high dose narcotic therapy, radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery when possible.
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Ambulatory surgical procedures are a large and increasing fraction of all surgery in the United States. A specialized health care team must be assembled to care for these patients and meet their special needs. Ambulatory surgery patients should be selected according to medical and psychosocial criteria. ⋯ Premedication should be supportive, and verbal as well as medicinal; drugs include ataractics and analgesics. All forms of general or regional anesthesia may be used. Recovery goals must be well defined, aiming for "home readiness." Ambulatory anesthesia care is concluded with postdischarge follow-up, for quality assurance and risk management.