Continuous epidural morphine treatment for intractable pain in terminal cancer patients

In patients with intractable cancer pain who failed to respond to conservative and neurosurgical procedures for pain relief, repeated injections of epidural morphine were found to be beneficial. A small dose of morphine (2-4 mg per injection) relieved pain for 6-24 h. A permanent subcutaneous epidural catheter led to successful ambulatory treatment without complications. The implantation of the epidural catheter is a minor surgical procedure, done under local anesthesia and is considered safe even in terminal cancer patients.