Pain assessment during conscious sedation for cervical cancer high-dose-rate brachytherapy

This observational study set out to evaluate the effectiveness of conscious sedation anesthesia for pain control during high-dose-rate (hdr) brachytherapy using a ring-and-tandem applicator system for patients with cervical cancer.

At the time of initiation of the hdr cervical cancer brachytherapy program at our institution, patients received a detailed symptom assessment during the procedures. Brachytherapy was carried out using a Smit sleeve, together with a ring-and-tandem applicator. Midazolam and an opioid-hydromorphone, morphine, or fentanyl-were the main agents used to achieve conscious sedation.

From January 2009 to October 2010, 20 patients (median age: 45 years) underwent 57 procedures. All patients received chemoradiation with curative intent. The median duration of the procedures was 1.4 hours, and no significant cardiovascular events were noted. The total dose of intravenous midazolam used ranged from 0.5 mg to 8.5 mg (median: 2.5 mg). The total dose of intravenous morphine equivalent used ranged from 2.5 mg to 60 mg (median: 8 mg). The mean and median pain scores during the procedures were 1.4 and 1.1 respectively. Brief moments of moderate to severe incidental pain were noted at the time of certain events during the procedure-specifically during insertion of the ring-and-tandem applicator. The maximal pain score during the entire procedure ranged from 0 to 10 (median: 4.7). The period of recovery from conscious sedation was relatively brief (median discharge time: 1 hour).

We were able to demonstrate that patients undergoing hdr brachytherapy for cervical cancer can achieve good pain control with conscious sedation.