Evaluation of Pain and Fear Associated with Putting on the Stereotactic Frame in Patients Planned for the Biopsy of a Brain Tumour with the Possibility of the Pharmacological Alteration

Abstract

Introduction. Results of the intensive development of the research on the pathogenesis of tumours of the nervous system allow increasingly to understand the nature of illnesses, contributing to the development of effective methods of their treatment. Taking sample material for the pathomorphology examination by means of the stereotactic biopsy is a method widely applied in the diagnostics of brain tumours. The diagnostic methods carried out are associated with the pain and fear felt by the patient during the operation. The pharmacological alteration will allow to minimize pain and fear while putting on the stereotactic frame. Aim. The aim of the study was the comparative evaluation of level of pain and fear perceived by patients while having the stereotactic frame put on for the biopsy of a brain tumour as well as the assessment of the effectiveness of pharmacological measures applied before performing the stereotactic biopsy. Material and Methods. Research was carried out at the Clinic of Neurosurgery in the 10th Military Clinic Hospital with the Polyclinic. The research included a group of 60 patients, who were subject to stereotactic biopsy of brain tumour. Our own questionnaire of surveys, evaluation of pain on the VAS scale and the standardized questionnaire form of self-assessment — STAI X-1 and STAI X-2 were the research tools. Results. Having examined the research group of 60 patients — a dependence on the applied premedication, gender and individual age groups was observed. No relation between feeling pain as well as fear were observed regarding the domicile and the level of education. Conclusions. On the basis of an analysis conducted in age groups towards examined factors it is possible to notice positive effects of Dormicum application compared to the group patients without the premedication. In the case of patients, in whom giving medicines was not applied it is possible to notice an increase in the parameter of fear along with age, contrary to the situation in the group examined where Dormicum was being applied. Ketonal had no effect on changes in the parameters examined. In none of examined groups a relation between the age and the level of pain feeling measured on the VAS scale was indicated. (JNNN 2016;5(1):21–27)

Keywords

• pain
• fear
• biopsy
• stereotaxis
• stereotactic frame