Intrathecal Chemotherapy. An information guide

Transcription

1 TO PROVIDE THE VERY BEST CARE FOR EACH PATIENT ON EVERY OCCASION Intrathecal Chemotherapy An information guide

2 Intrathecal Chemotherapy Why do I need intrathecal chemotherapy? With some types of cancer, cancer cells can pass into the cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord to protect and cushion it. Chemotherapy given by any other route cannot cross over into the cerebrospinal fluid. Therefore the best way to remove these cells is to give chemotherapy directly into the cerebrospinal fluid. The procedure to give intrathecal chemotherapy is called a lumbar puncture (LP). What will happen before the procedure? The doctor and nurse will give you verbal and written information about the drugs and the procedure. You will be asked to give written consent to receive the treatment. What will happen during the lumbar puncture? As this is a special procedure it will take place on ward F11 at the Royal Oldham Hospital, where staff who have had additional training will carry out the procedure. The procedure will take about 15 to 30 minutes and it is very important that you stay still. We will help you into one of the following positions for the procedure: Lying on your side, with your knees drawn up to your tummy and held in place by your hands, and the nurse gently holding you behind your knees and neck. Or sitting with your back towards the doctor, your arms folded and supported over a pillow or the back of a chair, with your head resting on your arms. The procedure in either position continues as follows: 2

3 the doctor will clean the skin on your lower back with antiseptic cleansing agents, then inject a local anaesthetic into your back when the local anaesthetic is effective, the doctor will insert a needle into your spine the doctor and the nurse will check the chemotherapy drug for: correct drug, correct dose, correct patient, correct route of administration we would like you to be involved in your treatment therefore you (or a friend or relative if you wish) will be asked to be involved in the checking procedure when all checks are complete the doctor will administer the drug into your spine the doctor will then remove the needle and place a small dressing over the area the doctor or nurse will advise you if you need to remain flat for a few hours. Will it hurt? You should not have any pain during the procedure as you will be given a local anaesthetic. However when the doctor is giving this anaesthetic you may experience an uncomfortable sensation, or some mild pain. You should let the doctor or nurse know if you are uncomfortable or in pain at any point during the procedure. Are there any side effects or risks? The most common side effect within the first 24 hours is a headache. Your doctor or nurse may advise you to lie flat for a few hours, but even so you should rest for 4 to 6 hours after the procedure. You may also have back pain where the needle was 3

4 inserted and/or shooting pains in your legs, but these should settle in 48 hours. Risks include bleeding and infection, however these are rare. If you are concerned please discuss this with the doctor or nurse, or telephone the hospital using the contact numbers on this leaflet. 4

5 Contact telephone numbers If you feel unwell, don t delay, please ring. The lines are open 24 hours a day. The Royal Oldham Hospital Ward F11 Day Case Unit on Ward F11 In-Patients on /5514 5

6 Useful numbers Macmillan Lead Chemotherapy Nurse Macmillan Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist /5531/5532 Your consultant is... Your hospital no. is... 6

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8 If English is not your frst language and you need help, please contact the Ethnic Health Team on Jeżeli angielski nie jest twoim pierwszym językiem i potrzebujesz pomocy proszę skontaktować się z załogą Ethnic Health pod numerem telefonu For general enquiries please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on For enquiries regarding clinic appointments, clinical care and treatment please contact and the Switchboard Operator will put you through to the correct department / service Date of publication: August 2007 Date of review: July 2012 Date of next review: July 2014 Ref: PI_DS_340 The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Wood pulp sourced from sustainable forests