Successful elimination of intractable lower limb neuropathic pain by pelvic tumor invasion using ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block

ABSTRACT

We report a case whose left lower limb neuropathic pain accompanied by pelvic tumor invasion was remarkably eliminated by ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block. <b>Case report</b> The subject was a sixty year old male. Pharmacological therapy was given according to the WHO analgesic ladder, but his left lower limb pain failed to respond to drugs. His intractable lower limb neuropathic pain was alleviated by ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block. Drug delivery can be achieved with a percutaneous catheter and a disposable infusion pump. Infusions were run at 5mlh<SUP>-1</SUP> with 0.1% ropivacaine. <b>Conclusion</b> Neuropahic pain is sometimes hard to be controlled only by opioids or adjuvant analgesics, but there is a possibility of providing pain relief by combination use with nerve blocks. Interventional techniques can be highly effective but also have the potentiality to produce significant adverse effects. Many patients have factors which would be considered a near absolute contra-indication to the use of nerve blocks such as immuno-compromise or impairment of coagulation. Skillful application of peripheral neural blockade with ultrasound imaging broadens the options for providing optimal pain management. Palliat Care Res 2011; 6(1) 313-315