Articles: palliative-care.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Apr 1996
Comparative StudyWallstents versus plastic stents in malignant biliary obstruction: effects of stent patency of the first and second stent on patient compliance and survival.
In prospective trials in patients with malignant biliary obstruction, it has been reported that Wallstents prolong stent patency, but this does not translate into a significant survival benefit. Compared with prospective trials, however, survival may be different in clinical practice because of differences in patient compliance. We report on a retrospective, long term analysis comparing Wallstents versus plastic stents. ⋯ Initial placement of a Wallstent results in an increase of stent patency of the first and second stent. Duration of stent patency appears to have a determinant effect on patient compliance. Increased stent patency and patient compliance seem to improve survival in clinical practice.
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Oncology nursing forum · Apr 1996
The knowledge and attitudes of experience oncology nurses regarding the management of cancer-related pain.
To describe the knowledge and attitudes of North Carolina nurses toward the management of cancer-related pain. The analysis focused on knowledge, attitude, and perception of barriers to pain management. ⋯ Although nurses report increased knowledge of pain management in general, deficits continue to exist. Further research is needed to more fully understand the effect of educational and experience on practice.
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Self-expanding metal stents have been used successfully to overcome large airway obstruction due to malignant pulmonary disease. The technique has been modified to place stents under direct vision using the fibreoptic bronchoscope. The effect of this procedure on lung function and patient well being was investigated in a large series of patients. ⋯ In suitable patients with either extraluminal or intraluminal tumour, or both, the insertion of expandable metal stents using a fibreoptic bronchoscope and local anaesthetic is a valuable addition to other palliative therapies in the treatment of lung cancer.
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Case Reports
Transient cranial neuropathy in prostatic cancer with bone metastases after rhenium-186-HEDP treatment.
Rhenium-186 (tin) hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate (186Re-HEDP), a bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical, has been successfully used in the treatment of patients with painful bone metastases. Toxicity is usually limited to reversible thrombocytopenia. ⋯ Both patients developed transient cranial neuropathy shortly after treatment with 186Re-HEDP. Transient neuropathy of cranial nerves needs to be distinguished from neurological abnormalities caused by disease progression.