![]() | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Effective control of cancer related pain has long been one of the most important and pressing issues with regard to oncology and health (Arcidiacono and Rossi, 2004). Pancreatic cancer commonly produces pain that is difficult to control. Initial therapy with non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) is often inadequate and necessitates opioid administration which may impair immune function. Therefore, non pharmacologic therapies, such as celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN), are often given with the goal of improving pain control and quality of life while reducing the risk of drug-related side effects (Kaid et al, 2006). Neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) is an effective method in the management of pain in patients suffering from upper abdominal malignancies, such as pancreatic cancer, bile duct cancer and primary liver neoplasm. It may be associated also with prolonged survival (Panagiotiset al, 2006). The success rate of the procedure for palliative relief of all types of upper gastrointestinal cancer pain has been reported to be between 70% and 97%, regardless of the technique used (Titton et al, 2002). Accordingly the celiac plexus transmits pain sensation originating from the pancreas and most of the abdominal viscera except for the left colon, rectum and pelvic organs. Celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) is a chemical splanchnicectomy of the celiac plexus; its goal is to ablate the efferent nerve fibers which transmit. |