Celiac plexus block in patients with nonpancreatic GI malignancies: Experience from a single institution.

Abstract

e19551 Background: Celiac plexus block (CPB) has been well described in the treatment of pancreatic cancer pain. A recent Cochrane Library review of the subject concluded that CPB often resulted in fewer adverse effects when compared to chronic opioid use. CPB has not been well described in non-pancreatic GI malignancies. This study sought to determine the effectiveness of CPB in non-pancreatic GI malignancies. Methods: The Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center database was queried for all patients who had undergone celiac plexus block, 2001-2010, using specific CPT billing codes. In addition, VCU Radiology Department records were also examined. Diagnosis, physician assessment of effectiveness, pre and post procedure pain scores, complications of procedure, and pain medication dosage pre and post procedure were all assessed. Results: 68 total patients were identified. 12 patients underwent a CPB for non-pancreatic GI malignancies and 56 for pancreatic cancer patients. The most common non-pancreatic GI malignancies were colorectal cancer (50%), hepatocellular carcinoma (8%), carcinoid (8%), duodenal cancer (8%), and gastric cancer (8%). By study criteria, 7 of the 12 patients had sufficient data for exploratory analysis. By physician assessment, CPB resulted in pain relief in 5 (71%) of 7 patients. Furthermore, the post procedure pain score improved but the usage of pain medications did not change. By comparison, 26 of 56 patients with pancreatic CA had sufficient data and 15(58%) has pain relief by physician assessment. Conclusions: CPB appears to provide some pain relief for patients with non-pancreatic GI malignancies. However, the retrospective design revealed missing data including: pre and post procedure pain scores, complications of procedure and patient assessments of pain. A prospective study is being considered.