Tropical doctor
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The pattern of stroke has been well characterized in many settings in Nigeria. The profile of stroke, has, however, not been previously reported from Nigeria's new federal capital. The aim of this study was to characterize the pattern of stroke in a specialist centre in Nigeria's federal capital territory over a 5-year period.
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Palliation by coeliac plexus block for upper abdominal visceral cancer pain.
Palliation of cancer related pain is one of the major concerns of patients suffering from cancer of the upper abdominal organs. The non-availability of imaging techniques to guide needle placement prompted us to use a blind technique of neurolytic coeliac plexus block. Thirty consecutive patients with intractable pain, due to documented inoperable upper abdominal visceral cancers, underwent neurolytic coeliac plexus block by blind percutaneous retrocrural unilateral neurolysis. ⋯ Despite the proximity of vital structures, blind unilateral retrocrural neurolytic coeliac plexus blockade is a safe and effective means to relieve the terminal pain associated with upper abdominal visceral cancer. It deserves more widespread use in patients with upper abdominal cancer. Results of the present study are encouraging and relevant for clinicians working in developing countries.