Subarachnoid phenol block for pain relief in gynecologic malignancy

One hundred and thirty-three subarachnoid phenol blocks were performed in 90 patients with intractable pain secondary to gynecologic cancer at the University of Iowa Hospitals in the period 1961 to 1975. Excellent to moderate pain relief was obtained in 77% of 117 evaluable blocks. Fifty-two percent of the blocks gave relief of over 1 months' duration and 27% over 2 months. Fourteen patients had a second contralateral block and 11 obtained 4 to 8 weeks' relief. Complications were temporary and occurred in 71% of the blocks, the most common being urinary and rectal incontinence. Subarachnoid phenol block is an effective method for relief of intractable pain; its use in gyneclogic oncology is discussed.