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A nationwide neurosurgical inter-disciplinary service for cancer-related refractory pain

Authors :
Morsi khashan
Ido Strauss
Yehonathan Hochberg
Silviu Brill
Rotem Tellem
Haggai Sharon
Uri Hochberg
Source :
BMC Palliative Care, Vol 23, Iss 1, Pp 1-7 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
BMC, 2024.

Abstract

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.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1472684X
Volume :
23
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
BMC Palliative Care
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.13beb1c2a26a4e5196627c1d42c2457a
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-024-01501-8