Radiology
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Celiac plexus block with alcohol was performed to relieve pain in 124 patients with abdominal malignancies. A transaortic technique was employed in which a single needle was advanced from a left posterior paramedian approach through the aorta to deposit anesthetic agent directly onto the celiac plexus. ⋯ No major hemorrhagic or neurologic complications were encountered. The transaortic method of celiac block is as effective as, easier to perform, and may be safer than the classic two-needle technique.