The Novel Use of an External Oblique Nerve Catheter After Open Cholecystectomy.

Open cholecystectomy is a painful procedure and requires a well-rounded multimodal approach for successful postoperative analgesia. A thoracic epidural is known to provide reliable pain relief for upper abdominal surgical procedures. However, in patients for whom an epidural is contraindicated, an alternative regional technique may be sought. This case discusses the novel use of an external oblique catheter after open cholecystectomy.

Retroperitoneal Necrosis as a Rare Complication After Celiac Plexus Block.

Long after surgical treatment, chronic pain continues to afflict many patients with pancreatic cancer. Multimodal pain management is the current approach to managing these complex patients. In patients with refractory pain, a celiac plexus block is a commonly used adjunct to optimize pain control. The sclerosing agents used in a celiac plexus block are known to cause local tissue necrosis as a rare complication. We present a case of extensive retroperitoneal necrosis following celiac plexus neurolysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of extensive retroperitoneal necrosis after a celiac plexus block requiring operative management.