CT-guided neurolytic splanchnic nerve block with alcohol
1Deartment of Anesthesiology, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki-City, Okayama 701-01 Japan.
Pain
|December 1, 1993
Summary
CT-guided alcohol splanchnic nerve neurolysis effectively relieved upper abdominal cancer pain in 27 patients. Bilateral splanchnic nerve neurolysis provided substantial pain relief with no neurologic complications.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Pain Management
- Oncology
Background:
- Upper abdominal and back pain are common in cancer patients.
- Neurolytic procedures aim to alleviate intractable pain by targeting visceral nerves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CT-guided alcohol splanchnic nerve neurolysis for upper abdominal cancer pain.
- To assess the optimal volume of alcohol solution for effective neurolysis.
Main Methods:
- 27 cancer patients underwent bilateral neurolytic abdominal visceral sympathectomy using 15 ml of alcohol solution per side under CT guidance.
- Needle placement targeted the retrocrural space for splanchnic nerve neurolysis.
- Pain relief and complications were monitored over a 3-year period.
Main Results:
- Substantial pain relief was achieved in 20 of 21 patients undergoing bilateral splanchnic nerve neurolysis.
- Needle tips were successfully positioned in the retrocrural space in 83% of insertions.
- No neurologic complications were encountered during the study.
Conclusions:
- CT-guided alcohol splanchnic nerve neurolysis is an effective and safe treatment for upper abdominal cancer pain.
- 15 ml of alcohol solution per needle appears sufficient for effective splanchnic nerve neurolysis.
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