Safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis for treatment of upper abdominal cancer pain / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (US-guided CPN) in patients with upper abdominal cancer pain. Methods: Fifteen patients with advanced upper abdominal cancer pain underwent US-guided CPN. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the extent of pain relief in patients,and the score of pain was recorded before CPN and immediately post-procedure, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after CPN, respectively. The differences in VAS scores of pain before and after CPN were analyzed statistically. Results: The rest 2 patients were excluded for lacking of safe puncture path. CPN was successfully performed in 13 patients. Significant reduction of VAS score was observed in 13 patients after CPN (P<0.05). No serious complication occurred. Transient irritant pain at the puncture site was noticed in 3 patients, which disappeared after 24 h. Transient diarrhea was presented in 2 patients for the increased intestinal peristalsis. Only 1 patient had transient nausea and vomiting, while post-procedural hypotension occurred in 1 patient. Conclusion: US-guided CPN is safe and effective, which can be used as a visualization and minimally invasive method for treatment of upper abdominal cancer pain.