[The feature and direction of each controlled release morphine].

Recent advances in cancer pain management resulted with rapid spread of variety of opioids in Japan. During these two decades, many controlled release morphines for cancer pain management have been released in the Japanese market. As severe pain is most common and dreadful symptom in cancer patients, all physicians should learn correct information about opioid analgesics.

[A case of intractable lower limb pain treated successfully by spinal cord stimulation with an electrode inserted retrogradely].

We experienced a case of intractable lower limb pain successfuly treated by spinal cord stimulation with an electrode inserted retrogradely. The patient is a 32 year-old-man suffering from intractable lower limb pain on the area innervated by the sciatic nerve from unidentified cause for about 4 years. We tried various treatments such as epidural block, S 1 nerve-root block including thermocoagulation technique, opiate.

[Parenteral opioids in end-of-life care in cancer patients].

The ethical obligation to relieve pain and other distressing symptoms in patients with cancer is now receiving increasing attention and concern in palliative and end-of-life care. The vast majority of patients with cancer pain are prescribed opioids in oral formulation. However, a patient at the end of his or her life often needs parenteral administration of opioids as the medical condition deteriorates, irrespective of using sedatives.