Holistic Care - How Anesthesiologists Can Contribute : Intrathecal Analgesia in Local Communities

Abstract

  Interest in palliative care is increasing, and the roles anesthesiologists play are expected to expand. Anesthesiologists have been contributing to palliative care in various ways; however, nerve block for cancer pain is not always straightforward for anesthesiologists who specialize in surgical anesthesia.
  Continuous intrathecal analgesia has yet to become commonplace in Japan, but is not difficult to conduct and is effective for intractable cancer pain. Therefore, we have employed it since 2001. It required the approval of the ethics committee, improvement in devices, and cooperation with the local community. Seven of 25 patients were treated at home, and some of them were able to return to work. Holistic care involves providing support for patients so they can live as normally as possible, and pain control is considered to be very important. Continuous intrathecal analgesia is an excellent analgesic method, and conducting it in the local community contributes to holistic care.