ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The efficacy of intraoperative celiac plexus block was compared with that of pharmacological therapy in the treatment of pain caused by unresectable pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Twenty-one patients were included in the study: 15 patients underwent intraoperative celiac plexus block (group 1) and 6 received pharmacological therapy (group 2). The effectiveness at 1 week after treatment and from treatment to death was evaluated at follow-up by looking at mean analgesic consumption, mortality and morbidity, and any postoperative complications. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-tests. RESULTS: One week after the operation, the analgesic consumption of 14 patients in group 1 was the same as that before treatment, and 1 patient's consumption had decreased. Pain in 4 patients in group 2 did not change, but in 2 patients it increased. Mean opioid consumption was significantly lower in group 1. Complications related to the block were transient diarrhea and hypotension ( P not significant between groups). There was no operative mortality or major complication related to the block. The incidence of adverse drug-related effects, such as constipation, nausea, and vomiting, was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative celiac plexus block made pain control possible with reduced opioid consumption, representing an effective, safe, and simple tool for the treatment of pain caused by unresectable pancreatic cancer.
