Journal of gastrointestinal surgery : official journal of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
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J. Gastrointest. Surg. · Nov 1999
Review Case ReportsParaplegia following intraoperative celiac plexus injection.
The technique for percutaneous and open neurolytic celiac plexus injection, using ethanol or phenol, for relief of intractable pancreatic cancer pain has been well described. Prospective randomized studies, demonstrating safety and efficacy with few complications, have led to widespread acceptance and use of this palliative procedure. ⋯ The case described herein represents the third reported case of permanent paraplegia following open intraoperative neurolytic celiac plexus injection using 50% ethanol. The literature surveying the indications for this procedure, routes of administration, known complications, and their pathophysiology are reviewed.