[Pain therapy of tumor patients with special reference to tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. WHO staged schedule versus para-spinal analgesia techniques].

In this study we compared 293 patients with cancer pain undergoing treatment in the years 1987 until 1993. 165 patients (55.7%) suffering from cancer localized at the organs of gastrointestinal tract. Comparing the therapeutic results of WHO pattern with patients after implantation of port systems with epidural or intrathecal catheters and portable external morphine pumps we found at port-patients a significant lower number of side effects like nausea, vomiting, obstipation and weariness. Furthermore we noted at port-patients lower values of pain score (VAS). We think the high incidence of uncomfortable side effects of drugs at patients with gastrointestinal cancer may be caused by the type of special illness. Therefore we discuss the possibility of an earlier use of the method of port implantation at special indications.