Epidural analgesia during brachytherapy for cervical cancer patients.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To find out the efficacy of epidural analgesia in providing continuous pain relief for patients undergoing brachytherapy for cervical cancer. SETTINGS Teaching Hospital. DESIGN: Retrospective Study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 152 patients of cervical cancer received epidural analgesia during 18 to 21 hours of pelvic brachytherapy. Epidural top up was given using 60-100 microg of buprenorphine every 08-10 hrs. Additional top up or systemic analgesics were given for breakthrough pain. RESULTS: Majority of patients 119 out of 152 received epidural top up twice during their stay in the brachytherapy ward. Only 20 out of 152 needed additional analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural analgesia is safe and provides satisfactory pain relief during brachytherapy and makes patient's stay more comfortable.