[Celiac ganglion blockade: the effectiveness of CT guided percutaneous anterior approach].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of celiac ganglion blockade in cases with abdominal malignancies who are narcotic analgesic dependent for control of severe abdominal pain.

METHODS

A total of 30 celiac ganglion blockades were performed in 27 patients between the ages of 19 and 75. A 22 G Chiba needle was placed through the percutaneous anterior approach into the celiac ganglion region under the guidance of CT, and 98% alcohol was administered. The procedure was repeated in three cases due to insufficient response.

RESULTS

In 24 (88.8%) of the 27 cases, the severity of pain decreased. Total relief of the pain was achieved in 13 (48.1%) cases. In 9 (33.3%) cases pain was controlled with non-narcotic analgesics. In 2 (7.4%) cases, the dose of the narcotic analgesic decreased. There was no change in the severity of the pain in 3 (11.1%) cases. Transient complications were diarrhea in 4 (14.8%), hypotension in 6 (22.2%) cases and hemiparesis in one (3.7%) case.

CONCLUSIONS

Celiac ganglion blockade through the percutaneous anterior approach under the guidance of CT should be preferred for the control of pain in the early periods in cases with abdominal malignancies, especially gastric and pancreatic, due to easy performance, safety, lower incidence of complications, high success rate and low cost.