Surgical ablation of pain pathways should, like neurolytic blockade, be reserved for situations in which other therapies are ineffective or poorly tolerated. The Guideline provides a list of indications for specific procedures. Many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are painful to patients. Treat anticipated procedure-related pain prophylactically and integrate pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions in a complementary style. Anxiolytics and sedatives may be used to reduce anxiety or to produce sedation.
Patients generally tolerate procedures better when they are informed of what to expect.
Offer the option for a relative or friend to accompany the patient for support. PDQ statements exist for a number of topics. Please consult the PDQ Index . This document is also available in a text-only format . The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease.