Opioid-refractory rectal tenesmus treated with burst ketamine.
BMJ supportive & palliative care June 26, 2025 David Murphy, Hannah O'Brien, Mary Jane O'Leary 1 citation
A man with severe rectal tenesmus caused by rectal carcinoma, whose pain was difficult to manage due to adverse effects from several medications, experienced reduced pain after a seven-day continuous subcutaneous infusion of ketamine combined with midazolam and dexamethasone. His self-reported pain scores improved, and his opioid requirements decreased. This is the first reported use of ketamine for rectal tenesmus.