[Management of pain induced by invasive procedures in oncology]

Pain management is a priority issue in oncology. However, pain induced by invasive procedures, notably diagnostic procedures, remains largely underexplored. We will first describe the various procedures that cause pain in oncology (venous or arterial puncture, bone marrow harvest and biopsy, wound dressing, pulling of drains...). We then will propose strategies to manage such pain, based on the rather scarce information drawn from the international literature. Auto-evaluation of pain by the patient, good technical practice and comforting attitude of the caregiver are prerequisites for these strategies. Local anaesthesia, use of fixed 50% nitrous oxide oxygen mixture, analgesics and tranquilizers have also proven helpful. Further evaluation is needed for standardization of these procedures.