Outcomes following percutaneous upper gastrointestinal decompressive tube placement for malignant bowel obstruction in ovarian cancer.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate peri-operative and survival outcomes of ovarian cancer patients undergoing percutaneous upper gastrointestinal decompression for malignant bowel obstruction (MBO).

Methods: Retrospective chart review was used to identify patients with ovarian, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer who underwent palliative decompressive treatment for MBO from 1/2002 to 12/2010. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate the median survival (MS) and multivariate analysis used to determine if any variables were associated with the hazard of death.

Psychiatric illness in the next of kin of patients who die in the intensive care unit.

Objectives: To determine the rates of psychiatric illness in next of kin following the death of a relative in a medical intensive care unit.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: A university teaching hospital, New Haven, CT.

Management of opioid-induced sedation in patients with cancer.

Opioid-induced sedation is a common dose-limiting side effect of opioid therapy that can be very distressing and sometimes is more difficult to manage than pain. Opioid-induced sedation may prohibit patients from participating in certain activities of daily living, which can be a source of considerable distress for patients and their families. The issue presents a therapeutic dilemma for healthcare professionals caring for patients experiencing the side effect.

Unlicensed staff members' experiences with patients' pain on an inpatient oncology unit: implications for redesigning the care delivery system.

Although unlicensed staff have routine contact with patients in pain, little research relates to their role with these patients. The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of unlicensed inpatient hospital staff caring for cancer patients in pain. We sought to understand pain identification and communication practices, describe common practice situations, and identify training needs.

Long-term safety of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate for breakthrough cancer pain.

This open-label study evaluated the long-term safety and tolerability of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) in ambulatory cancer patients with breakthrough pain undergoing cancer care at 32 university- or community-based practices. Patients had participated in a previous short-term titration trial of OTFC, were experiencing at least one episode per day of breakthrough pain, and had achieved relief of their breakthrough pain with an opioid. Patients received OTFC units at a starting dosage strength determined in the short-term trial (200-1600 microg).