Celiac plexus neurolysis with the modified transaortic approach

Celiac plexus block with alcohol was performed to relieve pain in 124 patients with abdominal malignancies. A transaortic technique was employed in which a single needle was advanced from a left posterior paramedian approach through the aorta to deposit anesthetic agent directly onto the celiac plexus. Ninety-one percent of patients experienced marked pain relief. No major hemorrhagic or neurologic complications were encountered. The transaortic method of celiac block is as effective as, easier to perform, and may be safer than the classic two-needle technique.