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Neurolytic Celiac Plexus Block for Pancreatic Cancer Pain

Received from the Department of Anesthesiology, The Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington.

Abstract

Neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) is an effective method for relief of the pain of pancreatic cancer, but many physicians are reluctant to use the technique because of the perception that the incidence of complications is high. We analyzed the incidence of complications and the quality of pain relief obtained during the use of NCPB in 136 patients with pancreatic cancer. Eighty-five percent of the patients had good pain relief that, in 75% of cases, lasted through the patients' remaining life. No permanent neurologic complications resulted, although two patients had a pneumothorax. Radiographically guided needle placement did not affect quality of pain relief or the incidence of complications. This neurolytic pain block is effective, has a low incidence of neurologic complications, and deserves more widespread use in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Key Words: ANESTHETIC TECHNIQUES, regional-celiac plexus

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				A. Perello, N. S Ashford, and S. J Dolin Coeliac plexus block using computed tomography guidance Palliative Medicine, July 1, 1999; 13(5): 419 - 425. [Abstract] [PDF]

				M. Hanna, S. Peat, M. Woodham, J. Latham, A. Gouliaris, and P. Di Vadi The use of coeliac plexus blockade in patients with chronic pain Palliative Medicine, January 1, 1990; 4(1): 11 - 16. [Abstract] [PDF]

Anesthesia & Analgesia® is published for the International Anesthesia Research Society® by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins with the assistance of Stanford University Libraries' HighWire Press®. Copyright 2006 by the International Anesthesia Research Society. Online ISSN: 1526-7598   Print ISSN: 0003-2999