Topical Diclofenac to Manage Opioid-Refractory Pain in a Rare Pancreatic Fibrosarcoma

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and is frequently associated with severe pain. Traditional pain management in this condition may be improved with the use of topical diclofenac. A 39-year-old man with advanced pancreatic fibrosarcoma metastatic to the thoracic spine presented to the hospital with severe abdominal pain refractory to escalating doses of opioids. A celiac plexus block produced significant, yet inadequate, pain reduction. Satisfactory pain control and opioid de-escalation were ultimately achieved with the application of topical diclofenac gel to an area of bony metastasis. This case illustrates the potential for pain control using topical diclofenac in patients with pancreatic soft tissue tumors and vertebral metastases. Topical diclofenac may exert antitumoral effects and targeted application may improve absorption, leading to improved pain control. The use of topical diclofenac for pain management in metastatic pancreatic cancer presents an interesting tool that should be considered in similar cases.

Efficacy and Safety of Celiac Plexus Neurolysis Versus Splanchnic Nerve Neurolysis in the Management of Abdominal Cancer Pain: A Meta-analysis of 359 Patients

BACKGROUND

Splanchnic nerve neurolysis (SNN) is commonly used as an alternative pain control technique to celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) in patients with distortion of anatomy, but the analgesic effect and relative risks of the 2 procedures remain controversial in general condition.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pain condition, safety, and symptom burden of SNN compared with CPN.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis of neurolysis therapy for intractable cancer-related abdominal pain.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed for randomized controlled trials comparing SNN and CPN using the PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata Version 15.0. Outcomes included pain condition, opioid consumption, adverse effects, quality of life (QOL), and survival rate. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated for continuous outcomes with its corresponding 95% CI.

LIMITATIONS

Study limitations include challenges to make subgroup analysis by intervention measures and addressing inevitable heterogeneity. Larger studies are needed for survival rates and further insights.

RESULTS

Seven studies involving 359 patients were included. No significant difference was found in pain condition at 2 weeks [SMD = 0.75, 95% CI (-0.25, 1.74), P > 0.05], 2 months [SMD = 1.10, 95% CI (-0.21, 2.40), P > 0.05] and 6 months [SMD = 0.53, 95% CI (-0.02, 1.08), P > 0.05] between SNN and CPN. Opioid consumption was comparable at 2 weeks [SMD = 0.57, 95% CI (-1.21, 2.34), P > 0.05] and one month [SMD = 0.37, 95% CI (-1.33, 2.07), P > 0.05]. However, SNN was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the opioid consumption at 2 months postoperatively [SMD = 0.99, 95% CI (0.68, 1.30), P < 0.05]. A systematic review was performed for adverse effects and QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our evidence supports that the analgesic effect of SNN is equivalent to that of CPN, independent of changes in the anatomical structure of the abdominal nerve plexus. SNN requires less use of opioids at 2 months and does not show greater improvement in pain burden compared to CPN.

Single-Fraction Celiac Plexus Radiosurgery: A Preliminary Proof-of-Concept Phase 2 Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Refractory epigastric/midback pain is associated with locally advanced abdominal malignancies, especially pancreatic cancer. The pain is caused by tumor infiltration of the celiac plexus, a nerve network attached to the abdominal aorta. Contemporary palliative approaches are often inadequate. We hypothesized that ablative radiation targeted to the celiac plexus would alleviate this pain.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We performed a single-arm prospective clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02356406). Eligible and evaluable patients had celiac pain of at least 5 out of 10 on the Numerical Rating Scale, completed treatment per protocol, and had at least 1 posttreatment visit. The entire retroperitoneal celiac plexus was irradiated with a single 25-Gy fraction. The primary endpoint was change in the Numerical Rating Scale 3 weeks posttreatment. Toxic effects and pain interference (as measured with the Brief Pain Inventory) were secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

For our study, 31 patients signed consent, and, of these, 18 patients were treated and evaluable. Median age was 68 years (range, 51-79); 89% of the patients had pancreatic cancer; the median Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status was 1; and the median interval from initial diagnosis to treatment was 9 months (range, 1-36), and, in this interval, patients received a median of 1 systemic treatment line (range, 0-3). Acute toxicity was limited to grade 1 to 2. Three weeks after treatment, 16 patients (84%) reported decreased celiac pain, with median pain level falling from 6 out of 10 (interquartile range [IQR], 5.0-7.5) at baseline to 3 out of 10 (IQR, 1.0-4.3); six weeks after treatment, the Numerical Rating Scale number fell further to 2.8 out of 10 (IQR, 0-3.3; both P < .005 vs baseline), including 4 patients who reported complete eradication of their celiac pain. Total daily morphine milligram equivalents decreased from 59 pretreatment to 50 at 3 weeks, and from 50 to 45 at 6 weeks. Significant improvement was seen in pain-interference scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Celiac plexus radiosurgery appears to alleviate cancer-related pain. An international multicenter phase 2 trial is currently accruing.

Comparison Between Two Volumes of 70% Alcohol in Single Injection Ultrasound-Guided Celiac Plexus Neurolysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Pain due to inoperable upper abdominal malignancies is a challenging condition that needs a multimodal analgesic regimen to be managed properly. Celiac plexus alcohol neurolysis was proved to be effective in relieving such type of pain; however, there is no consistent data about the optimal volume to be used to maintain the balance between the neurolytic effect and the destructive effect of alcohol.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to compare the analgesic effect of 2 different volumes of alcohol to improve the outcome of interventional management.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a randomized controlled double-blinded interventional clinical trial.

SETTING

Single university hospital.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients who suffered from abdominal pain due to unresectable abdominal malignancies were randomly allocated to receive in a single injection ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) with injection of either 20 mL 70% alcohol (CPN20 group) or 40 mL 70% alcohol (CPN40 group). The primary outcome was the post-procedure pain score, while the secondary outcomes included the post-procedure total daily opioid consumption and quality of life (QOL).

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding visual analog scale (VAS) scores at all time points (P-value > 0.05); however, comparisons in each group revealed significantly reduced VAS scores at all time points following the intervention when compared to the baseline. Daily morphine equivalent consumption doses showed statistically significant differences between the baseline and each time point in both groups (P value < 0.05), with no significant difference between both groups at each time point (P value > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups regarding all domains in quality of life assessment at all time points (P value > 0.05). The scores of most time points in all domains were different significantly when compared to the baseline readings in both groups, with a tendency to decline over time in both groups approaching the baseline values.

LIMITATIONS

This was a single-center study with a relatively small sample size. Further prospective, multicenter, randomized, and controlled studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm the effects in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

During ultrasound-guided CPN for patients with inoperable upper abdominal cancers who failed medical management, a volume of 20 mL is as effective as 40 mL of 70% alcohol regarding pain control, opioid consumption, quality of life, and procedure-related complications.

Coeliac plexus radiosurgery for pain management in patients with advanced cancer : study protocol for a phase II clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic cancer is characterised by severe mid-back and epigastric pain caused by tumour invasion of the coeliac nerve plexus. This pain is often poorly managed with standard treatments. This clinical trial investigates a novel approach in which high-dose radiation (radiosurgery) is targeted to the retroperitoneal coeliac plexus nerve bundle. Preliminary results from a single institution pilot trial are promising: pain relief is substantial and side effects minimal. The goals of this study are to validate these findings in an international multisetting, and investigate the impact on quality of life and functional status among patients with terminal cancer.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A single-arm prospective phase II clinical trial. Eligible patients are required to have severe coeliac pain of at least five on the 11-point BPI average pain scale and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of two or better. Non-pancreatic cancers invading the coeliac plexus are also eligible. The intervention involves irradiating the coeliac plexus using a single fraction of 25 Gy. The primary endpoint is the complete or partial pain response at 3 weeks. Secondary endpoints include pain at 6 weeks, analgesic use, hope, qualitative of life, caregiver burden and functional outcomes, all measured using validated instruments. The protocol is expected to open at a number of cancer centres across the globe, and a quality assurance programme is included. The protocol requires that 90 evaluable patients" be accrued, based upon the assumption that a third of patients are non-evaluable (e.g. due to death prior to 3-weeks post-treatment assessment, or spontaneous improvement of pain pre-treatment), it is estimated that a total of 120 patients will need to be accrued. Supported by Gateway for Cancer Research and the Israel Cancer Association.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethic approval for this study has been obtained at eight academic medical centres located across the Middle East, North America and Europe. Results will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03323489.

Celiac Plexus Neurolysis Is Associated With Decreased Survival in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer: A Propensity Score Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate survival in patients who received celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) compared with patients who received opioids.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare database was used to identify patients older than 65 years diagnosed with pancreatic cancer between 2007 and 2015. We used claims data to identify patients with a history of CPN and opioid use within 1 year of diagnosis, and other demographic, clinical, and treatment variables. Kaplan-Meier analyses and inverse propensity-weighted adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratios were used to evaluate survival.

RESULTS

We identified 648 patients who underwent CPN (19.0%) compared with 2769 patients who received opioids (81.0%). The median survival and interquartile range for patients who received CPN was 4.0 months (2.0-8.0 months) compared with 7.0 months (3.0-12.0 months) for opioid users (P < 0.0001). After adjusting for confounders and propensity score, the patients who received CPN showed worsened survival (hazard ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-1.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic cancer patients who underwent CPN had decreased survival compared with opioid users. This suggests that opioid sparing methods to reduce pancreatic cancer pain may actually be harmful. Future prospective studies should investigate whether other opioid sparing therapies impact pancreatic cancer survival.

Celiac Plexus Denudation in Triangle Dissection in Pancreatico Duodenectomy: Perioperative Anesthetic Implications

This is a case report of inadvertent right celiac plexus denudation during triangle dissection during the surgery for carcinoma of pancreas under combined general epidural anaesthesia. Operative removal of the ganglia has its own autonomic effects, which are important to observe for anesthesiologists and perioperative critical care physicians alike.

Intraoperative Celiac Plexus Block With Preperitoneal Infusion Reduces Opioid Usage in Major Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

Given the role of celiac plexus block (CPB) in the management of chronic pain, we sought to investigate the utility of CPB in the control of postoperative pain in major hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeries.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

CPB has been in practice for decades for the management of upper abdominal visceral pain, especially in cancer patients. Typically, in this group of patients with chronic pain, a neurolytic agent is injected to cause irreversible neural damage to achieve pain control. We apply this concept to postoperative pain control by injecting bupivacaine to the celiac plexus instead of a neurolytic agent. We aim to investigate if this novel technique decreases postoperative opioid usage, offers better pain relief and leads to earlier ambulation.

METHODS

A retrospective, single institution study comparing consecutive patients who received intraoperative CPB and preperitoneal infusion with patients who received only preperitoneal infusion in open hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery between the years 2016 and 2019 by a single surgeon. Patients with incomplete data on patient-controlled analgesia usage and postoperative ambulation information were excluded.

RESULTS

Patients with CPB used 31% less morphine on postoperative day 1 compared to patient without CPB and 42% less morphine on postoperative day 2. Overall average morphine usage was significantly lower in patients with CPB. Duration of patient-controlled analgesia was shorter for patient with CPB compared with patient without CPB. The dynamic visual analogue score was marginally better in patients with CPB. Time to ambulation was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

CPB can be considered as part of a multimodal approach for postoperative pain management in open hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeries.

Inferior mesenteric plexus block under computed tomography guidance: A case report

RATIONALE

Inferior mesenteric plexus block is indicated for left-sided lower abdominal pain. However, in patients with terminal cancer, severe abdominal pain can prevent the patient from maintaining the necessary posture during the procedure, and considerable anatomic deformation owing to extensive growth, invasion, and metastasis of the tumor in the abdominal cavity can make the procedure difficult. In these cases, performing the procedures under computed tomography (CT) guidance can ensure greater safety and accuracy.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 63-year-old man was referred for severe left-sided lower abdominal pain. He was unable to lie prone owing to severe lower abdominal pain and right hip surgery performed 15 years ago. His visual analog scale score was 9 out of 10.

DIAGNOSES

The patient had terminal pancreatic tail cancer. Compared with abdominal CT findings obtained 50 days ago, hepatic metastasis and peritoneal seeding were still present, infiltration to the tissues around the pancreas and retrogastric area was increased, and most of the abdominal aorta was encased. In addition, metastatic lymph nodes were identified in several areas on the left including the left para-aortic area. However, the lesion causing the pain could not be identified. Therefore, an inferior mesenteric plexus block was performed according to the patient's complaint.

INTERVENTIONS

Epidural patient-controlled analgesia was performed first. The patient's pain consequently reduced to a certain level, and the prone position became possible to some extent, so a CT-guided inferior mesenteric plexus block was performed 2 days later.

OUTCOMES

After the CT-guided inferior mesenteric plexus block, it became possible to control the patient's pain with a fentanyl patch 75 mcg/hour only, and his visual analog scale score was reduced to 4. After 4 weeks, the patient died without complaints of severe pain as before.

LESSONS

CT-guided inferior mesenteric plexus block can be performed in patients with left-sided lower abdominal pain, enabling a safer and more accurate procedure especially in patients with terminal cancer who are unable to lie prone owing to severe lower abdominal pain or with considerable anatomic deformation due to extensive growth, invasion, and metastasis of the tumor in the abdominal cavity.

Quantitative Assessment of the Incidence of Persistent Orthostatic Hemodynamic Changes After Celiac Plexus Neurolysis: A Prospective Case Series

Celiac plexus neurolysis has been associated with orthostatic hypotension but has not been quantified prospectively or evaluated for persistence after the immediate postprocedural period. Our objective was to quantify persistent hemodynamic changes induced by celiac plexus neurolysis. In this case series of 16 patients with cancer, 8 (50%) had orthostatic hypotension alone, 3 (18.75%) developed an exaggerated postural heart rate increase (>30 beats per min), and 1 (6.25%) had both orthostatic hypotension and an increased heart rate. While the analgesic benefit of celiac plexus neurolysis is clear, the observed hemodynamic changes may be poorly tolerated in some individuals.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (EUS-CPN) technique and analgesic efficacy in patients with pancreatic cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Celiac Plexus Neurolysis (EUS-CPN) for the treatment of abdominal pain in pancreatic cancer can be administered in three different ways, depending on the site of needle insertion: central injection (CI), bilateral injection (BI) and celiac ganglia neurolysis (CGN). This meta-analysis aimed to (1) estimate the overall efficacy of the EUS-CPN; (2) compare the efficacy of each of the three techniques; and (3) investigate demographic and disease characteristics as potential predictors of treatment response.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies that reported the proportion of treatment responders to EUS-CPN overall, and according to the technique used. We performed a random effects meta-analysis of proportions, and meta-regression was used to estimate the association between technique and clinical characteristics on treatment response. The safety profile was reviewed through narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

Overall response rate to EUS-CPN was 68% (95% CI 61%-74%) at week two and 53% (95% CI 45%-62%) at week four. There was no evidence of a significant difference in the response rates between the three techniques. Demographics and disease characteristics were not associated with treatment response. Serious complications have been reported for BI and CGN but not for CI. Moderate to high risk of bias was observed.

DISCUSSION

EUS-CPN is a useful adjunct to opioids in the management of pain. There is no evidence of a difference in the efficacy among the three techniques, however, CI is the only one for which serious complications have not been reported. Future research should focus on the appropriate timing of EUS-CPN (early versus on demand) and randomised comparison to establish the comparative efficacy of each technique.

Celiac plexus block for chronic flank pain: a case series

Non-obstructive, chronic flank pain in urologic patients can be a challenging problem to manage. In this series, we examined the efficacy of celiac plexus blockade in providing pain relief and reducing opiate use in 14 adult urology patients with non-obstructive flank pain for > 1 year. Demographic, clinical, and procedural variables were collected from the medical record for retrospective analysis. Subjective improvement in pain occurred in 11 individuals (79%), and 5 (50%) were able to reduce their daily morphine equivalent dose (MED). Celiac plexus blockade is a viable option for symptomatic relief in urologic patients with non-obstructive chronic flank pain.

Intraprocedural increase in heart rate during EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis: Clinically relevant or just a physiologic change?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (EUS-CPN) is performed frequently for palliation of pain in pancreatic cancer, response to treatment is variable. Although intraprocedural increases in heart rate during alcohol injection are observed frequently, their significance and relationship to treatment outcome are unknown. The objective of this study was to examine whether a correlation exists between an increase in heart rate and treatment outcomes in patients undergoing EUS-CPN for pain relief in pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study of patients with abdominal pain caused by inoperable pancreatic cancer who underwent EUS-CPN. Heart rate change was defined as an increase of ≥15 beats per minute (bpm) for ≥30 seconds during alcohol injection. Main outcome measures were to compare pain, quality of life, opioid use, and survival between heart rate change and no-change groups.

RESULTS

Heart rate change was observed in 25 of 51 patients (49.0%) who underwent EUS-CPN over a 12-month period. Although the heart rate change cohort had significantly better adjusted scores for pain (60 vs 73; P = .042) and components of quality of life such as nausea and/or vomiting (65 vs 81; P = .004), financial difficulties (41 vs 57; P = .02), weight loss (45 vs 65; P = .007), and satisfaction with body image (52 vs 62; P = .035), there was no significant difference in postprocedural opioid use or survival between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Because patients with an increase in intraprocedural heart rate experienced significant improvement in pain and quality of life components, this observation must be further explored in order to improve the technique and outcomes of EUS-CPN.

A case report: Clinical application of celiac plexus block in bile duct interventional procedures

Although percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and tract dilatation (TD) are very painful procedures, almost all of those procedures have been conducted under local anesthesia and opioid injection due to the lack of manpower and time. Celiac plexus block (CPB) is an interventional technique used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the treatment of abdominovisceral pain. CPB decreases the side effects of opioid medications and enhances analgesia from medications. We present the case of a patient who underwent PTBD and TD under CPB in order to reduce procedure-related abdominal pain.CPB can be a useful alternative technique for pain management during and after biliary interventional procedures, although CPB-induced complications must always be kept in mind.

[THE FIRST CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN THE CELIAC PLEXUS BLOCKADE UNDER ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND NAVIGATION IN PATIENTS WITH PANCREATIC CANCER]

OBJECTIVE

Implementation into clinical practice and getting our own data of the effectiveness of EUS-CPN in chronic pain syndrome associated with pancreatic cancer in the palliative treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the period from October 2014 to May 2015 in P.A. Herzen Moscow Research Oncological Institute--filial FGBI "NMIRC" gained the first clinical experience in the celiac plexus blockade under endoscopic ultrasound navigation in 10 patients with pain associated with pancreatic cancer. The study group included 6 women and 4 men aged 54-83 years. In 2 of 10 cases out celiac ganglia were located and injections made in side them. In eight cases, the blockade was performed after injection into the tissue surrounding the celiac trunk. In most cases, we used standard FNA-needle with diameter 22G. Blockade performed by a combination of local anesthetic (3-4 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine) and 14-20 ml of 96% ethanol.

RESULTS

There were no complications after EUS-BCS. 9 of 10 patients (90%) had a significant (2-4 points on a visual analogue scale) reduction of pain after 1-3 days after the procedure. These patients had a significant reduction in the frequency and dosage of analgesics. Four patients required repeat of anesthesia after 2 months--the same with a marked positive effect. One patient, in spite of the double execution of EUS-CPN did not note reduction in pain intensity.

CONCLUSION

EUS-CPN procedure is highly effective, very simple and safe. It provides a high quality of life and of social adaptation oncology patients. It should be more widely used in clinical practice.

Established EUS-guided therapeutic interventions

Over the three last decades, endosonography ultrasound (EUS) has evolved from a diagnostic tool to an interventional modality through cumulative advances in experience, knowledge, equipment, and devices. EUS-guided therapeutic procedures appear feasible and safe when performed in highly-experienced centers. This review covers the technical aspects, indications, and results of the most commonly performed procedures. Celiac plexus neurolysis and collection drainages are now well-established techniques and considered to be first-line treatments. Biliary and pancreatic EUS-guided drainages are, conversely, more challenging, and there is currently insufficient clinical evidence documenting their superiority over established practice. Well-designed prospective trials are thus needed in order to accurately assess this modality's risks and long-term outcomes compared to radiological or surgical techniques.

Phenol-based endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis for East Asian alcohol-intolerant upper gastrointestinal cancer patients: A pilot study

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of phenol for the relief of cancer pain by endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (EUS-CPN).

METHODS: Twenty-two patients referred to our hospital with cancer pain from August 2009 to July 2011 for EUS-CPN were enrolled in this study. Phenol was used for 6 patients with alcohol intolerance and ethanol was used for 16 patients without alcohol intolerance. The primary endpoint was the positive response rate (pain score decreased to ≤ 3) on postoperative day 7. Secondary endpoints included the time to onset of pain relief, duration of pain relief, and complication rates.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the positive response rate on day 7. The rates were 83% and 69% in the phenol and ethanol groups, respectively. Regarding the time to onset of pain relief, in the phenol group, the median pre-treatment pain score was 5, whereas the post-treatment scores decreased to 1.5, 1.5, and 1.5 at 2, 8, and 24 h, respectively (P < 0.05). In the ethanol group, the median pre-treatment pain score was 5.5, whereas the post-treatment scores significantly decreased to 2.5, 2.5, and 2.5 at 2, 8, and 24 h, respectively (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the duration of pain relief between the phenol and ethanol groups. No significant difference was found in the rate of complications between the 2 groups; however, burning pain and inebriation occurred only in the ethanol group.

CONCLUSION: Phenol had similar pain-relieving effects to ethanol in EUS-CPN. Comparing the incidences of inebriation and burning pain, phenol may be superior to ethanol in EUS-CPN procedures.

Combined neurolytic block of celiac and superior hypogastric plexuses for incapacitating upper abdominal cancer pain

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of a combined neurolytic block of the celiac and superior hypogastric plexuses for incapacitating upper abdominal cancer pain.

METHODS

Fifty-two patients with advanced upper abdominal malignancies and incapacitating pain were equally randomized to receive a combined neurolytic block of the celiac and superior hypogastric plexuses (combined group) or a neurolytic celiac plexus block alone (NCPB group) using a 90% ethanol trans-intervertebral disk approach under CT guidance. Visual analogue scores (VAS), morphine consumption, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed before the procedure and 24 hrs, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure. The complications and side effects were also recorded.

RESULTS

The amount of ethanol used was 30 ± 5 ml in the combined group and 21 ± 3 ml in the NCPB group. VAS scores and morphine consumption decreased significantly pre- compared to post-procedure in both groups (p<0.05). QoL significantly improved 24 hrs, 1 week, and 1 month after the procedure compared with each group pre-procedure (p<0.05), but not after 3 months (p>0.05). The combined group had significantly lower VAS and morphine consumption than the NCPB group (p<0.05). QoL scores were significantly higher in the combined group 24 hrs, 1 week, and 1 month post-procedure than the NCPB group (p<0.05), but not after 3 months (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

A combined neurolytic block of the celiac and superior hypogastric plexuses is more effective than neurolytic celiac plexus block alone in pain relief for patients with advanced upper abdominal cancer.

Celiac plexus neurolysis in the management of unresectable pancreatic cancer: When and how?

Pancreatic cancer is the second most common abdominal cancer in North America with an estimated 20% resectability at diagnosis, and overall 5-year survival of 5%. Pain is common in pancreatic cancer patients with 70%-80% suffering substantial pain. Celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) is a technique that can potentially improve pain control in pancreatic cancer while preventing further escalation of opioid consumption. CPN is performed by injecting absolute alcohol into the celiac plexus neural network of ganglia. This review sets out to explore the current status of CPN in non-resectable pancreatic cancer. We will examine: (1) the efficacy and safety of percutaneous-CPN and endoscopic ultrasound guided-CPN; (2) specific technique modifications including bilateral (vs central) injections and celiac ganglia neurolysis; and (3) the issue of CPN timing, early at pancreatic cancer diagnosis vs traditional late use as salvage therapy.

Influence of religiosity on the quality of life and on pain intensity in chronic pancreatitis patients after neurolytic celiac plexus block: case-controlled study

The quality of life in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) is reduced due to their suffering of high levels of pain. It has been presented that quality of life can also be linked to religiosity and/or spirituality. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of religious practices on the quality of life and on the subjective level of pain in CP patients. Ninety-two patients (37 women and 55 men) with chronic pancreatitis were treated invasively for pain with neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB). The religiosity of the patients was recorded and served as a dichotomizer. Group 1 was for patients who claimed to have no contact with the church or to have very sporadic contact (N = 35 patients). Group 2 was for patients who claimed to have deep faith and were regular participants at church activities (N = 57 patients). Visual analogue scale was used to assess pain, while the quality of life was measured by using QLQ C-30 questionnaire adapted for chronic pancreatitis patients in Polish population. The patients were assessed prior to the pain-relieving intervention and subsequently 2 and 8 weeks after it. The intensity of pain was reduced in both groups significantly after performing the NCPB. Patients who declared a deep faith reported higher level of pain on the VAS scale prior to intervention than non-religious patients. Quality of life in both groups of patients significantly improved after NCPB. Following NCPB, global quality of life in patients who declared higher religiosity/church attendance was significantly higher (79.88) than for those patients who have no contact or sporadic contact with the church (44.21, P < 0.05). NCPB resulted in significant reduction of pain and increase in quality of life in both groups of patients with CP. Nevertheless, in the group declaring higher religiosity/church attendance, reported pain was higher, but, despite that, quality of life better. It may be concluded that religious practices might serve as an additional factor improving quality of life and coping in patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis.

Update on the role of endoscopic ultrasound in chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) remains an important healthcare problem that adversely affects quality of life. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a preferred test for the diagnosis of early CP. The Rosemont classification strictly defines and assigns weighting to the previously described ductal and parenchymal criteria. Recent histological correlation studies have improved our understanding of the accuracy of EUS criteria. Digital imaging analysis and complementary functional testing may complement endosonographic diagnosis. EUS-directed celiac plexus blockade and ductal access techniques have expanded the therapeutic armamentarium for pain management in CP.

Celiac plexus block for pancreatic cancer pain in adults

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer causes severe pain in 50 to 70% of patients and is often difficult to treat. Celiac plexus block (CPB) is thought to be a safe and effective technique for reducing the severity of pain.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy and safety of celiac plexus neurolysis in reducing pancreatic cancer pain, and to identify adverse effects and differences in efficacy between the different techniques.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, GATEWAY and EMBASE from 1990 to December 2010.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of CPB by the percutaneous approach or endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided neurolysis in adults with pancreatic cancer at any stage, with a minimum of four weeks follow-up.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We recorded details of study design, participants, disease, setting, outcome assessors, pain intensity (visual analogue scale (VAS)) and methods of calculation.

MAIN RESULTS

The search identified 102 potentially eligible studies. Judged from the information in the title and abstract six of these concerning the percutaneous block, involving 358 participants, fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. All were RCTs in which the participants were followed for at least four weeks. We excluded studies published only as abstracts. We identified one RCT comparing EUS-guided or computed tomography (CT) -guided CPB but its aim was to assess efficacy in controlling chronic abdominal pain associated with chronic pancreatitis rather than pancreatic cancer, so it was excluded.For pain (VAS) at four weeks the mean difference was -0.42 in favour of CPB (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.70 to - 0.13, P = 0.004, fixed-effect model). At eight weeks the mean difference was -0.44 (95% CI -0.89 to - 0.01, random-effects model). At eight weeks there was significant heterogeneity (I(2) = 89%).Opioid consumption was significantly lower in the CPB group than the control group (P < 0.00001). 

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Although statistical evidence is minimal for the superiority of pain relief over analgesic therapy, the fact that CPB causes fewer adverse effects than opioids is important for patients. Further studies and RCTs are recommended to demonstrate the potential efficacy of a less invasive technique under EUS guidance.

Celiac plexus neurolysis for pain relief in pancreatic cancer

Palliation of pain in pancreatic cancer often requires a multidisciplinary approach, with options including oral analgesics, chemoradiotherapy, and celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN). Although CPN may be performed endoscopically, percutaneously, or surgically, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided CPN is becoming more commonplace, given the overall improved real-time visualization and reduced risk of major (neurologic) complications. Regardless of the technique used, CPN may have a long-lasting benefit in between 70% and 90% of patients with pancreatic cancer.

[Celiac trunk compression syndrome associated with primary mitral valve prolapse]

A prospective study included 106 patients with celiac trunk compression syndrome (CTCS). Duplex scanning of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery and echocardiography were performed during their examination. The investigation revealed primary mitral valve prolapse (PMVP) in 78 (74%) patients. Operations of decompression of the celiac trunk were made on 101 patients. After operation the symptoms (neurovegetative included) were found to disappear. No authentic distinctions were revealed in the clinical semiology and postoperative course of patients with CTCS and with a combination of CTCS and PMVP.

Celiac Plexus Block: A New Technique Using the Left Lateral Approach

We describe a new celiac plexus block approach in a patient with cholangiocarcinoma who was referred to the Pain Clinic due to uncontrollable abdominal pain. The patient was initially programmed for a neurolytic celiac plexus block using the anterior approach with helical computerized tomography (CT) guidance. The CT scan revealed interposition of the transverse colon in the anterior approach territory, which made the anterior approach technique difficult, and also difficulty to practice the posterior approach without injuring the kidneys. We decided to attempt a left lateral atypical approach because the CT revealed the possibility of using a left lateral window to arrive to the celiac area. The left lateral access allowed us to carry out the neurolytic block using 50% alcohol without injuring any viscera. The patient tolerated the technique and was discharged without pain. No complications regarding either the punction or the block were observed.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound in diagnosis and therapy of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Since its advent more than 20 years ago, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has undergone evolution from an experimental to a diagnostic instrument and is now established as a therapeutic tool for endoscopists. Endoscopic ultrasound cannot accurately distinguish benign from malignant changes in the primary lesion or lymph node on imaging alone. With the introduction of the curved linear array echoendoscope in the 1990s, the indications for EUS have expanded. The curved linear array echoendoscope enables the visualization of a needle as it exits from the biopsy channel in the same plane of ultrasound imaging in real time. This allows the endoscopist to perform a whole range of interventional applications ranging from fine needle aspiration (FNA) of lesions surrounding the gastrointestinal tract to celiac plexus block and drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst. This article reviews the current role of EUS and EUS-FNA in diagnosis, staging and interventional application of solid pancreatic cancer.

Endoscopic ultrasonography guided celiac plexus neurolysis and celiac plexus block in the management of pain due to pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis

Pain is a common symptom of pancreatic disease and is frequently difficult to manage. Pain relief provided by narcotics is often suboptimal and is associated with significant side effects. An alternative approach to pain management in pancreatic disease is the use of celiac plexus block (CPB) or neurolysis (CPN). Originally performed by anesthesiologists and radiologists via a posterior approach, recent advances in endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) have made this technique an attractive alternative. EUS guided celiac plexus block/neurolysis is simple to perform and avoids serious complications such as paraplegia or pneumothorax that are associated with the posterior approach. EUS guided CPN should be considered first line therapy in patients with pain due to pancreatic cancer. It provides superior pain control compared to traditional management with narcotics. A trend for improved survival in pancreatic cancer patients treated with CPN has been reported, but larger studies are needed to confirm this finding. At this time, the use of EUS guided CPB cannot be recommended as routine therapy for pain in chronic pancreatitis since only one-half of the patients experience pain reduction and the beneficial effect tends to be short lived. EUS guided CPB and CPN should be used as part of a multidisciplinary team approach for pain management.

[A case of intractable chronic abdominal pain caused by hepatomegaly associated with primary amyloidosis, successfully treated with celiac plexus block]

A 51-year-old female previously diagnosed as primary amyloidosis suffered from recurrent abdominal pain. The result of thorough examination indicated that the main cause of the pain was severe hepatomegaly. Continuous venous administration of narcotics and other alternative therapies did not provide symptomatic relief, and thus the patient was treated with celiac plexus block, which resulted in effective pain control and improved ADL level. Though the procedure of celiac plexus block is simple and celiac plexus block is applicable without causing severe complication, it is not widely used. From this case, it is considered that celiac plexus block is one of the most effective means to relieve intractable pain associated with both benign malady and abdominal malignant tumor.

Celiac plexus block with the long stylet needle technique

Neurolytic celiac plexus block has been used successfully in the treatment of patients with intractable intra-abdominal pain due to malignancy or to benign pain syndromes. A new technique is described here for blocking the celiac plexus through the retrocrural approach with a special long stylet needle inserted under fluoroscopic guidance. Celiac blocks were performed in 2 groups of patients. In the first group (n=7), the classic technique was performed with the use of 2 needles; in the second group (n=5), 1 needle and 2 stylets were used to complete the block through the long guided needle approach. Parameters evaluated in each group consisted of the number of attempts, defined as the number of skin punctures, and fluoroscopy injection time, defined as time from the beginning of fluoroscopy to completion of successful needle insertion into the celiac area. Patients who had abdominal pain resulting from pancreatic cancer underwent celiac plexus block performed by the long guided needle technique. In the classic technique group, fluoroscopy injection time was 13+/-3 min and the number of attempts was 5.3+/-3; values in the long guided needle group were 8.9+/-3 min and 4.9+/-2, respectively. The difference in fluoroscopy injection times was significant (P<.05). The long guided needle technique for celiac plexus block may be an effective and appropriate method for beginners or for practitioners who are not knowledgeable about imaging techniques used in various medical specialties.

Combined neurolytic block of celiac, inferior mesenteric, and superior hypogastric plexuses for incapacitating abdominal and/or pelvic cancer pain

Thirty-five patients with extensive abdominal or pelvic cancer who suffered uncontrolled, diffuse, extensive, and incapacitating pain were treated with a combination of neurolytic celiac plexus block (CPB), inferior mesenteric plexus block (IMPB), and superior hypogastric plexus block (SHGPB). The combination of neurolytic CPB, IMPB, and SHGPB was performed with alcohol, mainly using a transintervetebral disc approach. The combination neurolysis produced effective immediate pain relief in all the patients (visual analog scale (VAS), reduced from 8.8 +/- 0.2 to 0). This pain relief persisted during the first 3 months (VAS, 2.3 +/- 0.5) or until death. Morphine consumption was significantly decreased for the first 1 month (from 96 +/- 29 mg to 31 +/- 10 mg per day) after the neurolysis and thereafter continued to be lower than before the surgery, though not significantly so. No serious complications were observed to have been caused by the neurolytic procedure on the three sympathetic plexuses. Our preliminary clinical results suggest that the combination of neurolytic CPB, IMPB, and SHGPB improves the quality of life of patients who have incapacitating cancer pain, by reducing both the intensity of the pain and their opioid consumption, without serious complications. This combination procedure may provide a new therapeutic option for pain relief in patients with advanced cancer.

EUS-guided celiac block and neurolysis

Abdominal pain related to pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis can be a disabling and difficult symptom to treat for patients, their families, and physicians. Pharmacologic therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is usually ineffective. Opiate analgesics may not be well tolerated and can lead to dependence. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus block offers a potential adjunct treatment for pain control.

Ultrasonography of the pancreas. 6. Endoscopic imaging

EUS is a high-resolution technique for pancreatic imaging. EUS has applictions in detecting and staging pancreatic tumors, EUS guided FNA of the pancreas for tissue diagnosis, and evaluation of chronic pancreatitis as well as EUS guided therapy such as celiac plexus block. This is a review of EUS imaging (EUS) of the pancreas covering technical aspects, clinical indications, advantages, and pitfalls as well as emerging trends in the field.

Percutaneous-guided pain control: exploiting the neural basis of pain sensation

The gastroenterologist deals frequently with painful conditions and suffering patients. Performing regular pain assessments and applying basic pain medicine principles will augment the care of patients in pain. Percutaneous-guided pain therapy techniques play a role in the multidisciplinary approach to pain medicine. Systemic opioid analgesia is the primary means of controlling cancer pain. However, 10% to 15% of cancer patients may need additional interventions to control pain. Sympathetic ganglion nerve blocks with neurolytic agents such as alcohol or phenol are reserved mostly for cancer pain. The efficacy and safety of these tools are validated by several decades of clinical application and published studies. Although the procedures are operator-dependent, in the hands of experienced clinicians, patients achieve sustained relief in the majority of cases. Although these techniques have been attempted in some benign conditions,such as chronic pancreatitis, with limited success, studies of newer imaging localization techniques such as endoscopic ultrasonography may expand future indications. Patients of the gastroenterologist who experience malignant abdominal pain may benefit from referral for percutaneous-guided pain control techniques.

Celiac plexus block for visceral pain

Celiac plexus block has long been used to provide analgesia for upper abdominal pain. In particular, neurolytic celiac plexus block has been advocated for pancreatic cancer pain. In this article, recent advances clarifying the role and limitations of neurolytic celiac plexus block are reviewed. Neurolytic celiac plexus block provides persistent augmented analgesia when used as an adjunct to systemic opiates, but does not reliably decrease opiate requirements. In addition, neurolytic celiac plexus block may prolong survival, but the data supporting this remain controversial. The optimal technique for accomplishing neurolytic celiac plexus block remains undetermined.

Radiation therapy, bypass operation and celiac plexus block in patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The great majority of pancreatic cancers are unresectable due to local invasion and/or distant metastasis. The treatment options for such patients include bypass operation, celiac plexus block, radiation therapy (RT), chemotherapy and immunotherapy. RT is divided into intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) and external radiation therapy (ERT). Appropriate palliative treatment remains controversial.

METHODOLOGY

Our experience with palliative treatments including bypass operation, celiac plexus block and RT (IORT and ERT) was retrospectively reviewed in 31 Japanese patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The 31 patients consisted of seven with no RT, six with ERT alone, seven with IORT alone and 11 with both IORT and ERT. Gastrojejunostomy was performed in 25 patients and biliary bypass was done in 29 patients for the therapeutic or prophylactic purpose.

RESULTS

No patients developed gastroduodenal obstruction or jaundice until death. Imaging findings after the treatment showed a decrease in tumor size in 11 of the 18 patients examined, an increase in four and no change in the other three. Of 19 patients complaining of back pain before the operation, the pain had disappeared in 12 but persisted in the other seven after the operation. No patients developed back pain after the treatment. Of the 12 patients with pain relief, nine had both RT and celiac plexus block, two RT alone and the other neither RT nor celiac block. Cumulative 0.5-year and 1.0-year survival rates in the group with RT(-), ERT alone, IORT alone IORT and ERT and IORT were 42.9%, 100%, 100%, 100% and 0%, 33.3%, 57.1% and 45.5%, respectively. The survival curve of the RT(-) group was significantly worse than that of the ERT alone group (P = 0.0029), IORT alone group (P = 0.0101) and IORT and ERT group (P = 0.0109). The survival curves of the three RT groups were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

RT significantly prolonged survival of patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer and combined palliative treatments including bypass operation, celiac plexus block and RT (ERT or IORT) are recommended for such patients.

Pancreas head carcinoma: frequency of invasion to soft tissue adherent to the superior mesenteric artery

Despite radical extension of surgical procedures, the cure rate of pancreatic head carcinoma patients still remains low. A cause of this concerns unsuccessful locoregional control, which may originate from a positive surgical margin near the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). However, no studies have examined invasion of pancreatic carcinoma around the SMA. En bloc resection of the head of the pancreas and the superior mesenteric vessels was performed on 6 patients who had pancreatic head carcinoma invading the superior mesenteric vein. The specimens were cut perpendicular to the SMA and consecutive serial sections were made. The slices were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin 19 to easily detect carcinoma tissue under a microscope. Nodal metastasis around the SMAs was found in all of the cases. There were no characteristics of the arrangement of the metastatic nodes along the SMA. Lymphatic emboli were often observed close to the metastatic nodes. Neural invasions were detected around the tumors in every case and were continuously connected with the extrapancreatic nerve plexus. The nerve plexus covering the SMA were involved in 4 cases. Involvement was observed mainly behind the SMA, reaching as far as the left side of the SMA in 3 cases. The invasion extended further upwards along the right side of SMA for the celiac nerve plexus. The lymphatics and the nerve plexus in the area around the SMA were frequently involved by pancreatic head carcinoma. This involvement would have been left behind unless the SMA was resected.

Thermoablation of Liver Metastases: Efficacy of Temporary Celiac Plexus Block

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy of celiac plexus block during thermoablation of liver metastases.

METHODS

Fifty-five consecutive patients underwent thermoablation therapy of liver tumors by laser-induced thermotherapy. Twenty-nine patients received a temporary celiac plexus block, 26 patients acted as control group. In both groups fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously upon request of the patient. The duration of the intervention, consumption of opiates, and individual pain sensations were documented.

RESULTS

No complications resulting from the celiac plexus block were recorded. Celiac plexus block significantly reduced the amount of pain medication used during thermoablation therapy of liver tumors (with block, 2.45 mug fentanyl per kg body weight; without block, 3.58 mug fentanyl per kg body weight, p < 0.05; midazolam consumption was not reduced) in patients with metastases < or = 5 mm from the liver capsule. For metastases farther away from the capsule no significant differences in opiate consumption were seen. Celiac plexus block reduced the time for thermoablation significantly (178 min versus 147 min, p < 0.05) no matter how far the metastases were from the liver capsule. Average time needed to set the block was 12 min (range 9-15 min); additional costs for the block were marginal. As expected (as pain medications were given according to individual patients' needs) pain indices did not differ significantly between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In patients with liver metastases < or = 5 mm from the liver capsule, celiac plexus block reduces the amount of opiates necessary, simplifying patient monitoring. In addition celiac plexus block reduces intervention time, with positive effects on overall workflow for all patients.

Palliative gastroenterology

Continuous improvements in endoscopic imaging and accessories have opened up a field of interventional endoscopy. This highly technical offshoot of gastroenterology uses not just standard endoscopic techniques but also newer endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) imaging or fluoroscopic monitoring to facilitate procedures that were once performed either surgically or percutaneously, if at all. This review will update the role of these novel procedures that can be used to assist in the palliative care of patients whose malignancies involve the gastrointestinal tract. The emphasis will be on those palliative interventions that are used to overcome intestinal obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract and restore luminal patency. The role of EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis to assist in pain control, especially in patients with pancreatic malignancies, will also be detailed.

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.

Neurolytic celiac plexus block: a better alternative to opioid treatment in upper abdominal malignancies: an Indian experience

The majority of patients with advanced upper abdominal malignancies suffer from moderate to severe pain due to unavailability of morphine in developing world. This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of neurolytic celiac plexus block on pain and quality of life in this patient subpopulation. One hundred consecutive patients receiving opioids for their pain relief were divided in two groups. Group I (control) patients received oral morphine & NSAIDS and group II (study) patients underwent neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) to compare their effects on pain relief, morphine consumption, quality of life (QOL), Karnofsky and performance scores up to one month. NCPB provided statistically significant better pain relief and reduced morphine consumption at one month (P = 0.000). Superior Karnofsky and performance scores also favored NCPB group (P = 0.000); however the difference in overall QOL was not statistically significant (P = 0.24). Patients in oral morphine group had more side effects (94% vs. 58%) as compared to NCPB (P = 0.000). NCPB is an effective tool to reduce opioid requirement and the drug-related adverse effects. It is a rewarding technique, especially when morphine availability and its easy accessibility to the deserving patient is poor.

[Aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal artery in association with stenosis or occlusion of the celiac trunk]

On the basis of an analysis of 69 patients including 2 personal observations the authors discuss the questions of pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment of aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal artery in association with stenosis or occlusion of the celiac trunk (CT). A description of 2 cases with a true not broken aneurysms of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery and subocclusion of the celiac trunk is given which was caused by compression of the latter by the median arcuate ligament of the diaphragm and neurofibrous tissue of the celiac plexus. These patients were detected as a result of examinations and operative treatment of 556 patients with compressive stenosis of the celiac trunk for the period from 1982 through 2002. In one case a transcatheter embolization of the aneurysm was fulfilled followed in 3 months by a compression of the celiac trunk, in the other case a compression of the celiac trunk was made first and then in 5 months it was followed by resection of the aneurysm with a favorable outcome.

Celiac ganglion block

The percutaneus blockade of the celiac plexus is being performed nearly for a century. The aim of performing celiac plexus and splancnic nerve blocks was surgical anesthesia at the beginning. But because of the technical demands and variable results of celiac plexus and splanchnic nerve blocks as a surgical anesthetic, over time, these techniques were supplanted by spinal anesthesia and segmental blockade of the somatic paravertebral nerves. As celiac plexus and splanchnic nerve blocks were falling into disuse for surgical anesthesia, the clinical utility of these techniques was becoming apparent in the new specialty of pain management. Celiac plexus and splancnic nerve blocks are effective in relieving chronic abdominal pain, especially originating from the malignancies of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, omentum, mesentery, and alimentary tract from the stomach to the transverse portion of the large colon. The relevant anatomy, indications, cotraindications, different application techniques and results of celiac blockade is reviewed in this paper.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle injection

With the development of linear array echoendoscopes and the ability to perform endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration, the delivery of therapeutic agents with fine-needle injection (FNI) emerged. EUS-guided FNI is an attractive delivery system because of its minimal invasiveness and low complication rate. This approach is effective in performing celiac plexus neurolysis for pain relief in patients with pancreatic cancer. The most exciting area of interest involves the delivery of antitumor agents in patients with locally advanced cancer, such as cancer of the pancreas or esophagus. The involvement of EUS-guided FNI in tumor therapy adds a host of potential new applications that continue to swing the pendulum of EUS from a diagnostic to a therapeutic modality.