The impact of opioid administration for post gamma knife radiosurgery frame removal: a prospective quality-improvement study.

PURPOSE: In our center, five Gamma Knife proceduralists differed in opioid administration practices prior to Leksell frame removal, providing the opportunity to improve the care of patients with brain metastases by studying whether opioid medications improve pain scores and patient satisfaction during Gamma Knife treatment in a prospective, pseudorandomized fashion.

METHODS

We prospectively administered a questionnaire to patients undergoing Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for metastases between November, 2017 and July, 2018. Using multivariable methods, we assessed whether opioid pain medication administration influenced the change in pain scores after frame removal, and whether they influenced patient satisfaction on how often their pain was controlled, and their overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

We included 142 patients. Mean age was 65.2 ± 10.8 years and 52.7% were female. Morphine was the most commonly administered medication. Pain increases were greater around frame removal than placement. Opioids were not associated with any difference in the change in pain scores before and after frame removal, or patient satisfaction. Patients with higher pre-removal pain scores had smaller increases in pain scores after removal; they also had worse pain control and overall satisfaction with their treatment.

CONCLUSION

Morphine administration prior to frame removal did not improve pain scores or pain control satisfaction. Absence of efficacy may be related to delayed onset of action, and stronger and faster-acting agents should be explored. Pre-removal pain scores were associated with decreased pain control and overall satisfaction, further identifying earlier and stronger pain treatment as a potential area for improvement.