Effectively starting and titrating intrathecal analgesic therapy in patients with refractory cancer pain

Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2005 Oct;9(5):581-3. doi: 10.1188/05.CJON.581-583.

Abstract

Patients continue to suffer from pain despite their analgesic regimen and frequently from symptoms related to these interventions. This article describes the role that intrathecal analgesia may play in improving comfort for individuals experiencing refractory pain and/or symptoms of opioid therapy. Patient selection, staff education, institution requirements, medications, and titration guidelines also will be reviewed. Patients with cancer clearly deserve to achieve comfort; therefore, intrathecal therapy, which is a safe intervention, must be considered when refractory pain or symptoms occur.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Analgesia, Epidural / methods*
  • Analgesia, Epidural / nursing
  • Decision Trees
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Monitoring / methods*
  • Drug Monitoring / nursing
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Parenteral / methods*
  • Infusions, Parenteral / nursing
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pain, Intractable / diagnosis
  • Pain, Intractable / drug therapy*
  • Pain, Intractable / etiology
  • Pain, Intractable / nursing
  • Palliative Care / methods
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Social Support
  • Spine*