Splanchnic nerve blockade in abdominal pain

Abstract

Abdominal visceral sympathetic pain due to malign or benign pathologies of the upper gastrointestinal organs can be blocked either by celiac plexus blockade or splanchnic nerve blockade or both. We have evaluated the efficacy and safety of application of splanchnic nerve blockade to patients suffering from abdominal pain due to various reasons. After signing the informed consent, patients were hospitalized for splanchnic nerve blockade. We have performed splanchnic nerve blockade to 34 patients, in the operating room, with fluoroscopic guidance using Boas technique with 12 ml of 10 % phenol. The VAS values and complications were evaluated before the procedure, 3 months and 6 months after the procedure. The complications were recorded respectively. The VAS values at the 3rd and 6th months were significantly lower than the preprocedure values. No complications due to the technique or the drug injected were recorded except aspiration of blood during the procedure of which were postponed to a later date.