Paraplegia following coeliac plexus block

Transient paraplegia after neurolytic splanchnic block in a patient with metastatic colon carcinoma

We present a patient with metastatic colon carcinoma who developed paraplegia following a neurolytic splanchnic block. A 41-year old man with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon received a splanchnic neurolytic block using alcohol because of severe abdominal pain. Bilateral motor weakness and a sensorial deficit in both legs developed after the procedure. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal cord ischemia between T8 and L1. The motor and sensorial deficits were almost completely resolved at the end of the third month. We think that anterior spinal artery syndrome due to reversible spasms of the lumbar radicular arteries using alcohol have resulted in transient paraplegia. The retrograde spread of alcohol to neural structures may have also contributed.

Pain management of pancreatic head adenocarcinomas that are unresectable: celiac plexus neurolysis and splanchnicectomy

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is often incurable at the time of diagnosis. For patients with unresectable or recurrent disease, palliation of pain is a key component of care. Medical management with narcotics has numerous side effects and may be ineffective. Interventions for pain control include celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) and splanchnicectomy. The purpose of this review is to outline pertinent anatomy, techniques, side effects, complications, and efficacy of interventions for palliation of pain from pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

We reviewed current literature, as well as our own patients, to assess the role and outcomes of CPN and splanchnicectomy. Short descriptions of procedural techniques and functional illustrations are provided.

RESULTS

Both CPN and splanchnicectomy have excellent outcomes with regard to pain control. Quality of life and survival, however, have not been conclusively demonstrated to improve with either technique. Data regarding head-to-head comparisons of the two interventions is lacking.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with incurable pancreatic carcinoma should be offered either CPN or splanchnicectomy when medical management with narcotics has failed.

[Ganglion block. Celiac plexus neurolysis]

BACKGROUND

Pain originating from the organs of the upper abdomen, especially in patients suffering from inoperable carcinoma of the pancreas or advanced inflammatory conditions, is difficult to treat in a significant number of patients.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL PROCEDURES

Computed tomography (CT) guided neurolysis is the most commonly used technique for neurolysis of the celiac plexus. Ethanol is used to destroy the nociceptive fibers passing through the plexus and provides an effective means of diminishing pain arising from the upper abdomen.

METHODS

Using either an anterior or posterior approach, a 22 G Chiba needle is advanced to the antecrural space and neurolysis is achieved by injecting a volume of 20-50 ml of ethanol together with a local anesthetic and contrast medium.

PERFORMANCE

In up to 80% of patients suffering from tumors of the upper abdomen, CT-guided celiac plexus neurolysis diminishes pain or allows a reduction of analgesic medication; however, in some patients the effect may only be temporary necessitating a second intervention. In inflammatory conditions, celiac neurolysis is often less effective in reducing abdominal pain.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The CT-guided procedure for neurolysis of the celiac plexus is safe and effective in diminishing pain especially in patients suffering from tumors of the upper abdomen. The procedure can be repeated if the effect is only temporary.

Celiac plexus neurolysis for abdominal cancer pain: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review assesses the effectiveness and side effects of celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) in the treatment of upper abdominal cancer pain, and evaluates whether there are any differences between the percutaneous and endoscopic ultrasound-guided (EUS) denervation techniques.

METHODS

Five databases were searched, expanded by assessing the reference lists of all retrieved papers. Sixty-six publications fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Randomized controlled trials were available for the percutaneous CPN, and therefore meta-analyses were performed for pain, opioid consumption, and specific side effects. The quality of life data were too heterogeneous to be assessed by a meta-analysis, and evidence for EUS CPN could only be evaluated by observational studies.

RESULTS

Meta-analyses show that percutaneous CPN significantly improves pain in patients with upper abdominal cancer, with a decrease in opioid consumption and side effects. It is unclear whether there is any change in quality of life. Case series suggest that EUS CPN improves pain. No conclusion can be made about EUS CPN's influence on opioid consumption. Although CPN is a safe procedure, side effects and complications can occur with both the percutaneous and EUS techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Following this review, evidence suggests that CPN should be considered in patients with upper abdominal cancer where the pain is not adequately controlled with systemic analgesics or when significant opioid-induced side effects are present. The percutaneous approach remains the standard technique as robust evidence for EUS CPN is lacking.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac neurolysis

Intractable abdominal pain commonly develops in patients with pancreatic cancer. Oral pharmacologic therapy is ineffective for many patients and side effects commonly occur. Celiac neurolysis (CN) is sometimes performed to enhance pain relief. Percutaneous approaches were initially described, with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided CN more recently introduced. There is uncertainty regarding the efficacy and role of CN in managing pancreatic cancer pain, but CN should still be considered in this difficult-to-treat cohort of patients. EUS-guided approaches may be favored when EUS is otherwise indicated for diagnostic or staging purposes. When EUS is not otherwise indicated, percutaneous approaches are likely favored.

Assessment of celiac plexus block and neurolysis outcomes and technique in the management of refractory visceral cancer pain

OBJECTIVE

To assess demographic and clinical factors associated with celiac plexus neurolysis outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical data analysis.

SETTING

A tertiary care, academic medical center.

PATIENTS

Forty-four patients with terminal visceral (mostly pancreatic) cancer who failed conservative measures. Interventions. Fifty celiac plexus alcohol neurolytic procedures done for pain control after a positive diagnostic block.

OUTCOME MEASURES

A successful treatment was predefined as >50% pain relief sustained for > or =1 month. The following variables were analyzed for their association with treatment outcome: age, gender, duration of pain, origin of tumor, opioid dose, type of radiological guidance used, single- vs double-needle approach, type of block (e.g., antero- vs retrocrural), immediate vs delayed neurolysis, volume of local anesthetic employed for both diagnostic and neurolytic blocks, and use of sedation.

RESULTS

Those variables correlated with a positive outcome included lower opioid dose and the absence of sedation. Strong trends for a positive association with outcome were found for the use of computed tomography (vs fluoroscopy), and using <20 mL of local anesthetic for the diagnostic block.

CONCLUSIONS

Celiac plexus neurolysis may provide intermediate pain relief to a significant percentage of cancer sufferers. Both careful selection of candidates based on clinical variables, and technical factors aimed at enhancing the specificity of blocks may lead to improved outcomes.

A prospective randomized trial of 1 versus 2 injections during EUS-guided celiac plexus block for chronic pancreatitis pain

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of 1-injection versus a 2-injections method of EUS-guided celiac plexus block (EUS-CPB) in patients with chronic pancreatitis is not known.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical effectiveness and safety of EUS-CPB by using 1 versus 2 injections in patients with chronic pancreatitis and pain. The secondary aim is to identify factors that predict responsiveness.

DESIGN

A prospective randomized study.

INTERVENTIONS

EUS-CPB was performed by using bupivacaine and triamcinolone injected into 1 or 2 sites at the level of the celiac trunk during a single EUS-CPB procedure.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Duration of pain relief, onset of pain relief, and complications.

RESULTS

Fifty [corrected] subjects were enrolled (23 received 1 injection, 27 [corrected] received 2 injections). The median duration of pain relief in the 31 responders was 28 days (range 1-673 days). [corrected] Fifteen [corrected] of 23 (65%) [corrected] subjects who received 1 injection [corrected] had relief from pain compared with 16 of 27 (59%) [corrected] subjects who received 2 injections [corrected] (P = .67). [corrected] The median times to onset in the 1-injection and 2-injections groups were 21 and 14 days, respectively (P = .99). No correlation existed between duration of pain relief and time to onset of pain relief or onset within 24 hours. Age, sex, race, prior EUS-CPB, and smoking or alcohol history did not predict duration of pain relief.

LIMITATION

Telephone interviewers were not blinded.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in duration of pain relief or onset of pain relief in subjects with chronic pancreatitis and pain when the same total amount of medication was delivered in 1 or 2 injections during a single EUS-CPB procedure. Both methods were safe.

Thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy for pain control in irresectable pancreatic cancer

AIM

Disabling pain for many patients with irresectable pancreatic cancer is poorly managed and can remain a significant problem until death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy for pain control in patients with irresectable pancreatic cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirteen patients suffering from intractable pain due to irresectable pancreatic cancer underwent 15 attempted thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy procedures. All patients were opiate dependent. Right-sided splanchnicectomy was performed for a dominantly right-sided pain, whereas a centralized, bilateral, or left-sided pain was managed by left splanchnicectomy. If pain recurred, patients were offered to have the procedure repeated on the contralateral side.

RESULTS

Thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy procedure was a technical failure because of pleural adhesions in 1 patient. Fourteen (10 left- and 4 right-sided) thoracoscopic splanchnicectomies were successfully completed in 12 patients. Immediate pain relief was achieved in all 12 patients after unilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy. Pain relief persisted until death in 8 patients and until the latest postoperative follow-up visit at 5 months in 1 patient. Two patients required a contralateral procedure for pain recurrence. A 3rd patient had a recurrent pain but refused contralateral intervention. Except for the latter, none of the patients required opioids.

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy is a safe, simple, and effective minimally invasive procedure. It offers a substantial relief of pain in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pain control for intra-abdominal cancer

This article summarizes percutaneous and surgical methods for performing celiac plexus neurolysis and focuses on the technical aspects of endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis. Published literature concerning endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis is reviewed, indications are proposed, and opinions are offered concerning potential future applications and investigational needs as they apply to this technique.

Percutaneous splanchnic nerve radiofrequency ablation for chronic abdominal pain

BACKGROUND

Splanchnic nerve block is a useful alternative to coeliac plexus block in the management of patients with chronic upper abdominal pain. The predictable relationship of the splanchnic nerves to other structures allows for accurate needle placement and hence a low risk of iatrogenic damage. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses a high frequency alternating current to heat tissues leading to thermal coagulation. It produces predictable and accurate lesions and hence is useful alternative to more conventional phenol and alcohol neurolytic methods.

METHODS

The present study examined a series of 10 patients undergoing percutaneous RFA splanchnic nerve blockade for chronic pancreatitis. Pain levels, anxiety, quality of life, daily activity, mood and interpersonal relationships were all assessed pre- and postprocedure, using a visual analogue score. Median follow-up was 18 months (range: 12-24 months). Statistical analysis was undertaken using non-parametric Wilcoxon matched pair analysis, statistical significance was set at the 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Splanchnic nerve RFA not only led to a decrease in pain scores, opiate analgesia use and acute admissions for pain; but it also resulted in improvement of other parameters associated with long-term debilitating chronic pain, such as anxiety levels, daily activity, overall mood and general perception of health. There were no major complications. All changes observed were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Although preliminary data regarding RFA ablation of splanchnic nerves are encouraging, further trials are also needed comparing percutaneous splanchnic nerve ablation with opioid analgesia and coeliac plexus blockade.

Efficacy of coeliac plexus and splanchnic nerve blockades in body and tail located pancreatic cancer pain

Palliative treatment, pain therapy and quality of life (QOL) are very important in pancreatic cancer patients. We evaluated the pain relieving efficacy, side effects and effects on QOL of neurolytic coeliac plexus blockade (NCPB) and splanchnic nerves neurolytic blockade (SNB) in body and tail located pancreatic cancer. The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Coeliac group; GC, N = 19 were treated with coeliac plexus blockade, whereas the patients in splanchnic group; GS, N = 20 were treated with bilateral splanchnic nerve blockade. The VAS values, opioid consumption and QOL (Patient satisfaction scale=PSS, performance status scale=PS) were evaluated prior to the procedure and at 2 weeks intervals after the procedure with the survival rates. The demographic features were found to be similar. The VAS differences (difference of every control's value with baseline value) in GS were significantly higher than the VAS differences in GC on every control meaning that VAS values in GS decreased more than the VAS values in GC. GS patients were found to decrease the opioid consumption significantly more than GC till the 6th control. GS patients had significant improvement in PS values at the first control. The mean survival rate was found to be significantly lower in GC. Two patients had severe pain during injection in GC and 5 patients had intractable diarrhoea in GC. Comparing the ease, pain relieving efficacy, QOL-effects of the methods, splanchnic nerve blocks may be an alternative to coeliac plexus blockade in patients with advanced body and tail located pancreatic cancer.

Palliative care in a national cancer center: results in 1987 vs. 1993 vs. 2000

In the last few years, palliative care for advanced and terminal cancer patients has undergone considerable evolution. We determined the characteristics of patients admitted to the 4-bed Palliative Care Unit (PCU) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of Milan in 1987, 1993 and 2000 to evaluate how our diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have changed over the years. We reviewed the charts of every patient admitted to the PCU in 1987, 1993, and the first ten months of 2000. We recorded demographic data; the primary tumor sites; the main reason for admission; the types of therapies administered (oncologic, analgesic, surgical, neurosurgical analgesic procedures, and supportive therapy); the type and number of cardiological, radiological and endoscopic examinations, as well as specialist consultations; the duration of stay and eventual death on the Unit. There were no significant differences regarding gender, age, primary tumor site and death in hospital of the patients admitted during these years. The time spent in hospital increased over time (P = 0.006). A significant increase was observed in the percentage of patients admitted for supportive therapy (P < 0.001) and investigation concerning the stage of the disease (P < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in admission for invasive analgesic procedures (P < 0.001), as well as for pain diagnosis and/or uncontrolled pain. Uncontrolled pain remained the most frequent reason for admission. Over the years, during hospitalization, 7% to 12% of the patients underwent radiotherapy,1% to 9% had computerized tomography, and 4% to 8% had palliative surgery. More than 50% of the patients received intravenous hydration; a few patients received hypodermoclysis in 1987. Over time, there was a significant increase in "as needed" administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and a significant reduction in their regular administration (from 24% in 1987 and 1993 to 3% in 2000) (P < 0.001). The use of codeine, tramadol and methadone increased (P < 0.001), whereas the use of oral morphine, buprenorphine and oxycodone decreased in 2000 (P < 0.001). There was a reduction in the use of antidepressants (no significant constant trend) and a significant increase in the use of anticonvulsants, laxatives and pamidronate (P < 0.001). Regularly administered hypnotics decreased in 1993 and increased in 2000 (P < 0.001). Over these years, no significant differences were found in the routes of opioid administration, in route switching and in the mean maximum oral opioid dose (ranging from 108 to 126 mg/day). The percentage of patients undergoing percutaneous cordotomy significantly decreased in 1993 and 2000 (P < 0.001). Over time, there was an increase in requests for specialist consultations, which was significant for neurological, cardiological and oncological consults (P < 0.001). Although the characteristics of the patients admitted to the PCU did not change over these years, there have been significant modifications in our therapeutic approaches, above all in the use of supportive therapy, adjuvant drugs, opioids and neurosurgical invasive procedures. Moreover, a major collaborative interaction with other specialists of the NCI took place with the aim to tailor treatment for each single patient.

Effects of botulinum toxin type A on the superior cervical ganglia in rabbits

Sympathetic neurolysis is very important in treating chronic pain, especially sympathetically maintained pain. However, conventional neurolytic agents destroy nerve fibers nonselectively and may leave serious complications. Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) selectively acts on cholinergic nerves and inhibits the secretion of acetylcholines (Ach) at the involved nerve endings. Because cholinergic nerves also exist in autonomic ganglia, it is believed that BTA has pharmacological effects on sympathetic ganglia. In this study, after the administration of BTA into the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) in rabbits, the possible clinical use of BTA as a neurolytic agent was evaluated. In the normal saline-treated control group, miosis was not observed in all 12 rabbits. However, in the BTA-treated group, 15 cases of miosis were observed among 40 rabbits (37.5%). Furthermore, BTA induced miosis in a dose-dependent manner, though onset time and duration of miosis varied. Mean time of onset and duration were 1.8 days and 5.3 weeks, respectively. By eosin-hematoxylin (H&E) staining finding, no significant chronological and histological changes between the control and the experimental groups were observed. In conclusion, BTA was found to have a sympathetic ganglion blocking effect over a period of more than 1 month without causing considerable pathologic changes in the SCG, that is, this toxin may be used in the case of sympathetically maintained pain control as a sympatholytic.

Celiac block for the treatment of pancreatic pain

Neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) is commonly performed to relieve pancreatic cancer pain. Since Kappis described the percutaneous NCPB, a number of variations of this technique have been proposed to improve analgesic results and minimize complications. In this article, we review and discuss techniques, results, and complications of NCPB.

MRI-guided celiac plexus block

Celiac plexus block is used as a palliative procedure in cases of severe upper abdominal pain caused by pancreatitis or tumors of the pancreas. It can be guided by bony landmarks, fluoroscopy, ultrasound (US), or computed tomography (CT). To avoid severe complications, methods visualizing soft tissue, like CT and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, are preferable. We describe celiac plexus blocks carried out in an open MR scanner, offering needle guidance with an optical tracking system and near real-time image acquisition. Eight patients with severe chronic abdominal pain were included. In these, 14 celiac blocks were carried out. Good or total pain relief was achieved in 8 of the 14 blocks (57%), a moderate effect in 5 blocks (36%), and no effect in 1 block (7%). The placement of the needle was easily guided with MR in all cases. The MR technique ensures good visualization of soft tissue, direct monitoring of needle movement and avoids exposure to ionizing radiation. Celiac plexus block can safely be carried out in an open MR scanner.

Thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy for pain control in patients with unresectable carcinoma of the pancreas

BACKGROUND

Intractable pain is the most distressing symptom in patients suffering from unresectable pancreatic carcinoma. Palliative interventions are justified to relieve the clinical symptoms with as little interference as possible in the quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy for pain control in patients with unresectable carcinoma of the pancreas.

METHODS

Between May 1995 and April 1998, 24 patients (14 men and 10 women) with a mean age of 65 years (range, 30-85) suffering from intractable pain due to unresectable carcinoma of the pancreas underwent 35 thoracoscopic splanchnicectomies. All patients were opiate-dependent and unable to perform normal daily activities. Subjective evaluation of pain was measured before and after the procedure by a visual analogue score. The following parameters were also evaluated: procedure-related morbidity and mortality, operative time, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

All procedures were completed thoracoscopically, and no intraoperative complications occurred. The mean operative time was 58+/-22 min for unilateral left splanchnicectomy and 93.5+/-15.6 min for bilateral splanchnicectomies. The median value of preoperative pain intensity reported by patients on a visual analogue score was 8.5 (range, 8-10). Postoperatively, pain was totally relieved in all patients, as measured by reduced analgesic use. However, four patients experienced intercostal pain after bilateral procedures, even though their abdominal pain had disappeared. Complete pain relief until death was achieved in 20 patients (84%). Morbidity consisted of persistent pleural effusion in one patient and residual pneumothorax in another. The mean hospital stay was 3 days (range, 2-5).

CONCLUSIONS

We found thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy to be a safe and effective procedure of treating malignant intractable pancreatic pain. It eliminates the need for progressive doses of analgesics, with their side effects, and allows recovery of daily activity. The efficacy of this procedure is of major importance since life expectancy in these patients is very short.

Paraplegia following intraoperative celiac plexus injection

The technique for percutaneous and open neurolytic celiac plexus injection, using ethanol or phenol, for relief of intractable pancreatic cancer pain has been well described. Prospective randomized studies, demonstrating safety and efficacy with few complications, have led to widespread acceptance and use of this palliative procedure. The complications of neurolytic celiac plexus injection are rare, and are usually minor. However, transient or permanent paraplegia has been reported previously in 10 cases. The case described herein represents the third reported case of permanent paraplegia following open intraoperative neurolytic celiac plexus injection using 50% ethanol. The literature surveying the indications for this procedure, routes of administration, known complications, and their pathophysiology are reviewed.

Intrathecal morphine delivered via subcutaneous pump for intractable pain in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Pain secondary to unresectable pancreatic cancer is frequently severe and extremely difficult to control with traditional methods of analgesia. This retrospective study reports the analgesic effects of intrathecal morphine sulfate by implanted infusion pumps in nine patients with unresectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

METHODS

Nine patients were implanted over a 2-year period. Preoperative morphine i.v. equivalents were a mean of 81.51 mg/day, with a range of 20-140 mg/day. Patients were hospitalized for a trial dose of 1-2 mg of intrathecal Duramorph, 1 mg/ml, via lumbar puncture to assess whether adequate pain relief could be achieved and whether there would be drug-related side effects.

RESULTS

All patients who received a trial dose experienced excellent pain relief, and subsequently underwent implantation of a lumbar subarachnoid catheter and infusion pump during the same hospitalization. The mean number of days from diagnosis to pump implant was 119, with a range of 3-587 days. The mean maximum daily dose was 21.28 mg, with a range of 3-73.10 mg. No patient experienced respiratory depression or excess sedation which prevented achievement of pain control. Minor supplemental narcotic use was documented in three of the nine patients. Assessment of pain control was made by the level of activity and the analog pain scale, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. All of the patients experienced good to excellent relief of pain. The mean duration of intrathecal morphine sulfate use until death was 137.3 days, with a range of 52-354 days.

CONCLUSIONS

This series of nine patients indicates that long-term administration of intrathecal morphine via implanted infusion pump in patients with pancreatic cancer is both efficacious and safe. All patients and their families reported an improved quality of life with an increased level of activity.

Prospective randomized double-blind trial of neurolytic coeliac plexus block in patients with pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

In a randomized double-blind study the efficacy of neurolytic coeliac plexus block (NCPB) was compared with pharmacological therapy in the treatment of pain from pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients were divided into two groups: 12 patients underwent NCPB (group 1) and 12 were treated with pharmacological therapy (group 2). Immediate and long-term efficacy, mean analgesic consumption, mortality and morbidity were evaluated at follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed with the unpaired t test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Immediately after the block, patients in group 1 reported significant pain relief compared with those in group 2 (P < 0.05), but long-term results did not differ between the groups. Mean analgesic consumption was lower in group 1. There were no deaths. Complications related to NCPB were transient diarrhoea and hypotension (P not significant between groups). Drug-related adverse effects were constipation (five of 12 patients in group 1 versus 12 of 12 in group 2), nausea and/or vomiting (four of 12 patients in group 1 versus 12 of 12 in group 2) (P < 0.05), one gastric ulcer and one gluteal abscess in group 2.

CONCLUSION

NCPB was associated with a reduction in analgesic drug administration and drug-related adverse effects, representing an effective tool in the treatment of pancreatic cancer pain.

Endosonography-guided celiac plexus neurolysis

BACKGROUND

We have evaluated the safety and efficacy of performing endosonography-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (EUS CPN) in patients with pain due to intra-abdominal malignancies.

METHODS

Thirty patients with upper abdominal pain requiring narcotic analgesia and suspected or known intra-abdominal malignancy were selected for EUS CPN. This group included 25 patients with pancreas carcinoma and 5 patients with intra-abdominal metastases. Using the linear array ultrasound endoscope and a prototype needle catheter, transgastric injection of the celiac plexus with bupivacaine and 98% dehydrated absolute alcohol was accomplished.

RESULTS

Pain scores were significantly lower compared with baseline at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after EUS CPN (median follow-up: 10 weeks). At these follow-up intervals, 82% to 91% of patients required the same or less pain medication and 79% to 88% of patients had persistent improvement in their pain score. Comparison of patients with TXNXM1 versus TXNXMO pancreatic carcinoma revealed higher initial pain scores (7.9 +/- 1.92 versus 5.8 +/- 2.0, p = .02) and a greater decline in pain scores (decrease of 6.1 +/- 3.1 versus 4.8 +/- 2.0, p = .004). Complications were minor and consisted of transient diarrhea in four patients.

CONCLUSION

EUS CPN is a safe and effective means for improving pain control in patients with intra-abdominal malignancy. The technique may be performed as an outpatient at the same setting as the EUS staging examination.

Invasive techniques in the management of cancer pain

Familiarity with potentially useful anesthetic and neurosurgical techniques is important in the management of patients who are unable to achieve a satisfactory balance between analgesia and side effects from systemic analgesic therapies. The ability to make specific recommendations is limited by the paucity of controlled data, incorporating details of pain syndromes, prior therapies, validated pain assessment, meticulous reporting of adverse effects, and longitudinal follow-up.