Current gastroenterology reports
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Curr Gastroenterol Rep · Apr 2006
ReviewTechniques and results of neurolysis for chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer pain.
Chronic abdominal pain can be associated with benign and malignant disease. Pain associated with pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis can be severely debilitating, with significant impairment in quality of life. Frequently, chronic abdominal pain is not adequately responsive to conventional medical therapies, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids. ⋯ Methods to administer such agents to the celiac ganglion include CT imaging, percutaneous ultrasound, fluoroscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, or surgery (ganglionectomy). Response rates and complications vary depending on technique but are relatively low. This review highlights the techniques of celiac plexus neurolysis and celiac block and their status in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer pain.