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Khashan M, Strauss I, Hochberg Y, Brill S, Tellem R, Sharon H, Hochberg U. A nationwide neurosurgical inter-disciplinary service for cancer-related refractory pain. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:181. [PMID: 39033144 PMCID: PMC11264704 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01501-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Neurosurgical ablative procedures, such as cordotomy and cingulotomy, are often considered irreversible and destructive but can provide an effective and individualized solution for cancer-related refractory pain, when all other approaches have been unsuccessful. This paper provides an in-depth exploration of a novel approach to managing refractory cancer pain. It involves an interdisciplinary team led by a neurosurgeon at a renowned national referral center. METHODS a retrospective analysis of the medical records of all sequential patients who underwent their initial evaluation at our interdisciplinary refractory cancer pain clinic from February 2017 to January 2023. RESULTS A total of 207 patients were examined in the clinic for a first visit during the study period. All patients were referred to the clinic due to severe pain that was deemed refractory by the referring physician. The mean age was 61 ± 12.3 years, with no significant sex difference (P = 0.58). The mean ECOG Performance Status score was 2.35. Conservative measures had not yet been exhausted in 28 patients (14%) and 9 patients were well controlled (4%). Neurosurgical ablative procedures were recommended for 151 (73%) of the patients. Sixty-six patients (32%) eventually underwent the procedure. 91 patients (44%) received a negative recommendation for surgery. Thirty-five patients (17%) were referred for further invasive procedures at the pain clinic. CONCLUSION An Interdisciplinary cooperation between palliative care specialists, pain specialists, and neurosurgeons ensures optimal patient selection and provides safe and effective neurosurgery for the treatment of refractory cancer-related pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morsi Khashan
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ido Strauss
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Silviu Brill
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rotem Tellem
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Palliative Care Service, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Haggai Sharon
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Hochberg
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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2
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Almeida T, Monaco BA, Vasconcelos F, Piedade GS, Morell A, Ogobuiro I, Lepski GA, Furlanetti LL, Cordeiro KK, Benjamin C, Jagid JR, Cordeiro JG. Everything old is new again. revisiting hypophysectomy for the treatment of refractory cancer-related pain: a systematic review. Neurosurg Rev 2024; 47:111. [PMID: 38467866 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-024-02347-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-related pain is a common and debilitating condition that can significantly affect the quality of life of patients. Opioids, NSAIDs, and antidepressants are among the first-line therapies, but their efficacy is limited or their use can be restricted due to serious side effects. Neuromodulation and lesioning techniques have also proven to be a valuable instrument for managing refractory pain. For patients who have exhausted all standard treatment options, hypophysectomy may be an effective alternative treatment. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review of the available literature on PubMed and Scielo databases on using hypophysectomy to treat refractory cancer-related pain. Data extraction from included studies included study design, treatment model, number of treated patients, sex, age, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score, primary cancer site, lead time from diagnosis to treatment, alcohol injection volume, treatment data, and clinical outcomes. Statistical analysis was reported using counts (N, %) and means (range). The study included data from 735 patients from 24 papers treated with hypophysectomy for refractory cancer-related pain. 329 cancer-related pain patients were treated with NALP, 216 with TSS, 66 with RF, 55 with Y90 brachytherapy, 51 with Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GK), and 18 with cryoablation. The median age was 58.5 years. The average follow-up time was 8.97 months. Good pain relief was observed in 557 out of 735 patients, with complete pain relief in 108 out of 268 patients. Pain improvement onset was observed 24 h after TSS, a few days after NALP or cryoablation, and a few days to 4 weeks after GK. Complications varied among treatment modalities, with diabetes insipidus (DI) being the most common complication. Although mostly forgotten in modern neurosurgical practice, hypophysectomy is an attractive option for treating refractory cancer-related pain after failure of traditional therapies. Radiosurgery is a promising treatment modality due to its high success rate and reduced risk of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timoteo Almeida
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Miami, Miami, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami, Miami, USA.
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Bernardo A Monaco
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fernando Vasconcelos
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School at UT Health Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Guilherme S Piedade
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Alexis Morell
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Carolina Benjamin
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Jonathan R Jagid
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Joacir G Cordeiro
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Paraná, Brazil
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3
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Heptonstall N, Scott-Warren J, Berman R, Filippiadis D, Bell J. Role of interventional radiology in pain management in oncology patients. Clin Radiol 2023; 78:245-253. [PMID: 35811156 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2022.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews the current evidence of interventional radiology procedures for patients suffering with debilitating cancer pain, refractory to conventional therapies. Cancer pain is notoriously difficult to treat. Up to 90% of cancer patients experience pain with 56-82% of cancer pain controlled inadequately. Cancer pain influences a patient's ability to perform normal daily activities, causes higher risk of depression, and reduces quality of life. Pain-free status has been universally voted as a "good death". Alternative minimally invasive options include nerve blocks, neurolysis, bone ablation, spine and peripheral musculoskeletal augmentation techniques, embolisation, and cordotomy with evidence highlighting improved pain control, reduced analgesic requirements, and improved quality of life. Unfortunately, awareness and availability of these procedures is limited, potentially leaving patients suffering during their remaining life. The purpose of this review is to describe the basic concepts of interventional radiology techniques for pain palliation in oncology patients. In addition, emphasis will be given upon the need for an individually tailored approach aiming to augment efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Heptonstall
- Department of Radiology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
| | - J Scott-Warren
- Department of Radiology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - R Berman
- Department of Radiology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - D Filippiadis
- Department of Radiology, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - J Bell
- Department of Radiology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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4
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Percutaneous cervical cordotomy for cancer-related pain: prospective multimodal outcomes evaluation. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2022; 12:e21-e27. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-002084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundPercutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC) offers pain relief to patients with unilateral treatment-refractory cancer-related pain. There is insufficient evidence about any effects of this intervention on patients’ quality of life.MethodComprehensive multimodal assessment to determine how PCC affects pain, analgesic intake and quality of life of patients with medically refractory, unilateral cancer-related pain.This study was set in a multidisciplinary, tertiary cancer pain service. Patient outcomes immediately following PCC were prospectively recorded. Patients were also followed up at 4 weeks.ResultsOutcome variables collected included: background and breakthrough pain numerical rating scores before PCC, at discharge and 4 weeks postprocedure; oral morphine equivalent opioid dose changes, Patient’s Global Impression of Change, Eastern Cooperative oncology group performance status and health related quality of life score, that is, EuroQol-5 dimension-5 level (EQ-5D).ConclusionsDespite significant improvement in pain and other standard outcomes sustained at 4 weeks, there was little evidence of improvement in EQ-5D scores. In patients with terminal cancer, improved pain levels following cordotomy for cancer-related pain does not appear to translate into improvements in overall quality of life as assessed with the generic EQ-5D measure.
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5
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Treister R, Honigman L, Berger A, Cohen B, Asaad I, Kuperman P, Tellem R, Hochberg U, Strauss I. Temporal Summation Predicts De Novo Contralateral Pain After Cordotomy in Patients With Refractory Cancer Pain. Neurosurgery 2022; 90:59-65. [PMID: 34982871 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000001734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Percutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC), which selectively interrupts ascending nociceptive pathways in the spinal cord, can mitigate severe refractory cancer pain. It has an impressive success rate, with most patients emerging pain-free. Aside from the usual complications of neurosurgical procedures, the risks of PCC include development of contralateral pain, which is less understood. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether sensory and pain sensitivity, as measured by quantitative sensory testing (QST), are associated with PCC clinical outcomes. METHODS Fourteen palliative care cancer patients with severe chronic refractory pain limited mainly to one side of the body underwent comprehensive quantitative sensory testing assessment pre-PPC and post-PCC. They were also queried about maximal pain during the 24 h precordotomy (0-10 numerical pain scale). RESULTS All 14 patients reported reduced pain postcordotomy, with 7 reporting complete resolution. Four patients reported de novo contralateral pain. Reduced sensitivity in sensory and pain thresholds to heat and mechanical stimuli was recorded on the operated side (P = .028). Sensitivity to mechanical pressure increased on the unaffected side (P = .023), whereas other sensory thresholds were unchanged. The presurgical temporal summation values predicted postoperative contralateral pain (r = 0.582, P = .037). CONCLUSION The development of contralateral pain in patients postcordotomy for cancer pain might be due to central sensitization. Temporal summation could serve as a potential screening tool to identify those who are most likely at risk to develop contralateral pain. Analysis of PCC affords a unique opportunity to investigate how a specific lesion to the nociceptive system affects pain processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roi Treister
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Liat Honigman
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Assaf Berger
- Functional Neurosurgery Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ben Cohen
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Israa Asaad
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Pora Kuperman
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rotem Tellem
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Palliative Medicine Care Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Hochberg
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ido Strauss
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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6
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Zomers PJW, Groeneweg G, Baart S, Huygen FJP. Percutaneous Cervical Cordotomy for the Treatment of Cancer Pain: A Prospective Case Series of 52 Patients with a Long-Term Follow-Up. Pain Pract 2021; 21:557-567. [PMID: 33350042 DOI: 10.1111/papr.12991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study is to describe the effects of percutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC) on pain, opioid consumption, adverse events, and satisfaction in palliative care patients with cancer pain after PCC until end of life. METHODS This is a prospective observational case series of 58 PCCs in 52 consecutive patients. Indication for PCC was unilateral cancer pain with a maximum numeric rating scale (NRS) of pain above 5 despite maximal conservative treatment. The PCC was fluoroscopy guided. A radiofrequency lesion was made at 95°C for 20 seconds. The pain location and pain scores, analgesic medication, the cranial and caudal borders of dermatomes hypoesthetic for pin pricks, dysesthesia, urinary retention, Horner's syndrome, muscle strength, Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score, patient satisfaction, hospital anxiety and distress score (HADS), and RAND 36 score were evaluated at 1 day; 1 and 6 weeks; and 3, 6, 9, 12 18, and 24 months after PCC, or until death if death occurred during the follow-up period. RESULTS Pain relief after PCC was intense (change in median maximum NRS from 9 to 0) and persistent. Median opioid use per day was 240 mg (145 to 565 mg) before PCC and 55 mg (0 to 120 mg) after PCC. The upper and lower borders of dermatomes hypoesthetic for pin pricks were stable over time. The most common side effects were short-term (< 1 week) neck pain (28%), dysesthesia (40%), and mild loss of muscle strength (11%). Approximately 83% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the results of PCC 1 week after the procedure, and this percentage remained high in the long term. There was no significant change in the KPS score, HADS, and RAND 36 score. CONCLUSION Percutaneous cervical cordotomy is an effective treatment for unilateral cancer pain. The reduction in pain, reduction in opioid consumption, and hypoesthetic area remain stable until death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J W Zomers
- Pain Department, Bravis Hospital, Roosendaal, The Netherlands
| | - George Groeneweg
- Center for Pain Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sara Baart
- Center for Pain Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J P Huygen
- Center for Pain Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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7
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Berger A, Hochberg U, Zegerman A, Tellem R, Strauss I. Neurosurgical ablative procedures for intractable cancer pain. J Neurosurg 2020; 133:144-151. [PMID: 31075782 DOI: 10.3171/2019.2.jns183159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer patients suffering from severe refractory pain may benefit from targeted ablative neurosurgical procedures aimed to disconnect pain pathways in the spinal cord or the brain. These patients often present with a plethora of medical problems requiring careful consideration before surgical interventions. The authors present their experience at an interdisciplinary clinic aimed to facilitate appropriate patient selection for neurosurgical procedures, and the outcome of these interventions. METHODS This study was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent neurosurgical interventions for cancer pain in the authors' hospital between March 2015 and April 2018. All patients had advanced metastatic cancer with limited life expectancy and suffered from intractable oncological pain. RESULTS Sixty patients underwent surgery during the study period. Forty-three patients with localized pain underwent disconnection of the spinal pain pathways: 34 percutaneous-cervical and 5 open-thoracic cordotomies, 2 stereotactic mesencephalotomies, and 2 midline myelotomies. Thirty-nine of 42 patients (93%) who completed these procedures had excellent immediate postoperative pain relief. At 1 month the improvement was maintained in 30/36 patients (83%) available for follow-up. There was 1 case of hemiparesis.Twenty patients with diffuse pain underwent stereotactic cingulotomy. Nineteen of these patients reported substantial pain relief immediately after the operation. At 1 month good pain relief was maintained in 13/17 patients (76%) available for follow-up, and good pain relief was also found at 3 months in 7/11 patients (64%). There was no major morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSIONS With careful patient selection and tailoring of the appropriate procedure to the patient's pain syndrome, the authors' experience indicates that neurosurgical procedures are safe and effective in alleviating suffering in patients with intractable cancer pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Berger
- 1Department of Neurosurgery
- 6Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Hochberg
- 4Institute of Pain Medicine; and
- 6Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alexander Zegerman
- 5Division of Anesthesiology, Tel Aviv Medical Center; and
- 6Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rotem Tellem
- 3The Palliative Care Service
- 6Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ido Strauss
- 1Department of Neurosurgery
- 2Neuromodulation Unit
- 6Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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8
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Poolman M, Makin M, Briggs J, Scofield K, Campkin N, Williams M, Sharma ML, Laird B, Mayland CR. Percutaneous cervical cordotomy for cancer-related pain: national data. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2020; 10:429-434. [PMID: 32220943 PMCID: PMC7691804 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-002057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Percutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC) is an interventional ablative procedure in the armamentarium for cancer pain treatment, but there is limited evidence to support its use. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of PCC. Methods Analysis was undertaken of the first national (UK) prospective data repository of adult patients with cancer undergoing PCC for pain treatment. The relationship between pain and other outcomes before and after PCC was examined using appropriate statistical methods. Results Data on 159 patients’ PCCs (performed from 1 January 2012 to 6 June 2017 in three centres) were assessed: median (IQR) age was 66 (58–71) years, 47 (30%) were female. Mesothelioma was the most common primary malignancy (57%). The median (IQR) time from cancer diagnosis to PCC assessment was 13.3 (6.2–23.2) months; PCC to follow-up was 9 (8–25) days; and survival after PCC was 1.3 (0.6–2.8) months. The mean (SD) for ‘average pain’ using a numerical rating scale was 6 (2) before PCC and 2 (2) at follow-up, and for ‘worst pain’ 9 (1) and 3 (3), respectively. The median (IQR) reduction in strong opioid dose at follow-up was 50% (34–50). With the exception of ‘activity’, all health-related quality of life scores (5-level version of EuroQol-5 Dimension) either improved or were stable after PCC. Six patients (4%) had PCC-related adverse events. Conclusions PCC is an effective treatment for cancer pain; however, findings in this study suggest PCC referrals tended to be late in patients’ disease trajectories. Further study into earlier treatment and seeking international consensus on PCC outcomes will further enhance opportunities to improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlise Poolman
- Bangor Institute for Health and Medical Research, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK
| | | | - Jess Briggs
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Nick Campkin
- Queen Alexander Hospital, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Michael Williams
- Queen Alexander Hospital, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Manohar Lal Sharma
- Department of Pain Medicine, Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Barry Laird
- St Columba's Hospice, Edinburgh, UK.,Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Catriona R Mayland
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK .,Palliative Care Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
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9
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Strauss I, Berger A, Arad M, Hochberg U, Tellem R. O-Arm-Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Cordotomy. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2018; 95:409-416. [DOI: 10.1159/000484614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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10
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Ivanishvili Z, Pujara S, Honey CM, Chang S, Honey CR. Stereotactic mesencephalotomy for palliative care pain control: A case report, literature review and plea to rediscover this operation. Br J Neurosurg 2016; 30:444-7. [PMID: 26760110 DOI: 10.3109/02688697.2015.1133805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Stereotactic mesencephalotomy is an ablative procedure which lesions the pain pathways (spinothalamic and trigeminothalamic tracts) at the midbrain level to treat medically refractory, nociceptive, contralateral pain. Sparsely reported in contemporary English language literature, this operation is at risk of being lost from the modern-day neurosurgical practice. Methods We present a case report and brief review of the literature on stereotactic mesencephalotomy. A 17-year-old girl with cervical cord glioblastoma and medically refractory unilateral head and neck pain was treated with contralateral stereotactic mesencephalotomy. The lesion was placed at the level of the inferior colliculus, half way between the lateral edge of the aqueduct and lateral border of the midbrain. Results The patient had no head and neck pain immediately after the procedure and remained pain-free for the remainder of her life (five months). She was weaned off her pre-operative narcotics and was able to leave hospital, meeting her palliative care goals. Conclusions Cancer-related unilateral head and neck nociceptive pain in the palliative care setting can be successfully treated with stereotactic mesencephalotomy. We believe that stereotactic mesencephalotomy is the treatment of choice for a small number of patients typified by our case. The authors make a plea to the palliative care and neurosurgical communities to rediscover this operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zurab Ivanishvili
- a Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Shyam Pujara
- b Department of Neurosurgery, University of Leicester , Leicester , UK
| | - C Michael Honey
- a Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Stephano Chang
- a Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Christopher R Honey
- a Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada
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11
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Hosking SPM, Franco ME, Poon P, William L. Bilateral cordotomy post-failure of intrathecal analgesia in a palliative care setting. Intern Med J 2015; 45:586-7. [PMID: 25955466 DOI: 10.1111/imj.12743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S P M Hosking
- Supportive and Palliative Care Unit, Monash Medical Centre, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M E Franco
- Supportive and Palliative Care Unit, Monash Medical Centre, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - P Poon
- Supportive and Palliative Care Unit, Monash Medical Centre, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Eastern Palliative Care Association, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - L William
- Supportive and Palliative Care Unit, Monash Medical Centre, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Palliative Care Department, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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