[Ultrasound guidance technique in celiac plexus block]

Area of Science:

• Interventional Pain Management
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cancer patients frequently experience severe abdominal pain, often refractory to conventional analgesics.
• Celiac plexus block is an established treatment for visceral abdominal pain, but traditional methods lack real-time guidance.
• Ultrasound guidance offers potential for improved accuracy and safety in interventional procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the technique of ultrasound-guided celiac plexus block (CPB) in cancer patients.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided CPB for managing cancer-related abdominal pain.
• To analyze feasibility and complication rates associated with the procedure.

Main Methods:

• Celiac plexus block was performed on 13 cancer patients with severe epigastric and abdominal pain using ultrasound guidance.
• Color Doppler sonography was utilized to enhance visualization of the needle, particularly when vibrated.
• Feasibility, technical success, pain relief, and complication rates were systematically analyzed.

Main Results:

• Ultrasound-guided CPB achieved a technical success rate of 93% (12/13 patients).
• Significant pain relief was observed in 69% (9/13) of the patients.
• Minor complications included transient orthostatic hypotension (1 patient) and left shoulder pain (1 patient).

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound guidance is a safe and effective modality for performing celiac plexus blocks.
• The technique facilitates accurate needle placement and visualization of relevant anatomical structures.
• Ultrasound-guided CPB should be considered as a primary option for managing cancer-related abdominal pain when feasible.