Celiac plexus neurolysis in pancreatic neoplasm with celiacomesenteric trunk: a case report

Abstract

BackgroundCeliac plexus neurolysis is an effective mode of long-term palliation of somatic pain in inoperable upper gastro-intestinal neoplasm. CT guidance is the most accepted method of localising the tip of the needle, through which, the neurolytic agent, commonly Absolute Alcohol, is introduced along the celiac ganglion. Three dimensional assessment of the retroperitoneal anatomy avoids injury to adjacent viscera and vascular structures. Para-aortic needle tip position between the origins of celiac and superior mesenteric arteries is an accepted position to inject neurolytic agent. We report a case of successful celiac plexus neurolysis in a patient with a celiacomesenteric trunk. Till date no such case has been reported, primarily due to the Low incidence of celiacomesenteric trunk.Case presentationA 63-year-old man developed progressive icterus and severe abdominal pain over 3 months. The pain severity was 6/10. An Ultrasonography and contrast enhanced CT of the abdomen revealed inoperable carcinoma of head of pancreas and a celiacomesenteric trunk. The pancreatic mass extended along the right lateral border of the celiacomesenteric trunk, not extending upto the aorta. Considering the severity of pain, poor compliance to opioid pain medication, and a possibility of early tumour extension upto the aortic margin, celiac plexus neurolysis was considered. The procedure was performed under CT guidance and local anaesthesia, using a mixture of absolute alcohol, Bupivacaine and diluted iodinated contrast. Bilateral paravertebral antecrural access was performed, using 22 gauge Chiba needles, after localisation on preprocedural CT-scan. On the left, hydrodissection was performed using normal saline, to displace the left renal parenchyma from the trajectory of the needle to be used for neurolysis. The patient’s pain visual analogue scale score reduced to 0/10, immediately after the procedure. He had a post procedural hypotension, managed conservatively by complete bed rest for 1 day and intravenous fluid administration.ConclusionsCeliac plexus neurolysis can safely be done in aberrant upper abdominal vascular anatomy, under CT guidance and local anaesthesia. To avoid periprocedural complications, hydrodissection may be effectively used to displace normal anatomical structures from the trajectory of the access needle, through which a mixture of absolute alcohol and local anaesthetic may be delivered.