The role of analgesic blocking in the management of cancer pain: current trends. a review article.

The significant role of reversible and neurolytic analgesic blocking in the management of cancer pain in general is presented. It is pointed out that this modality of therapy may play a very significant role in the management of many such patients. It is pointed out that blocks of the peripheral as well as the central nervous system should be considered early rather than late in these disease syndromes in order to prevent central fixation. It is obvious that these procedures should be employed much more extensively than is generally the case at the present time. The opinions expressed are based upon over 30 years of clinical experience and a review of the current literature dealing with the management of pain.

Etidocaine for Caesarean section--effects on mother and baby.

The effectiveness and safety of etidocaine during extradural anaesthesia for Caesarean section were evaluated in 81 patients. Adequate sensory analgesia occurred in 78 patients and muscle relaxation was excellent in all patients. The combined umbilical venous-umbilical arterial/maternal venous ratio was 0.28+/-0.2 following the administration of 1% etidocaine 25 ml with adrenaline and 0.38+/-0.2 following the administration of 1% etidocaine plain 25 ml. Neurobehavioural patterns of the newborn were not affected noticeably. Etidocaine, in appropriate dose and concentration, appears to be an excellent local anaesthetic agent for Caesarean section under extradural anaesthesia.