Difference between Analgesic Drugs and the Coeliac Plexus Block in Relieving Pain due to Carcinoma of Pancreas: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a formidable health problem worldwide with increasing incidence. Debilitating pain is very common in patients with pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study is to observe the effectiveness of neurolytic coeliac plexus block for the relief of pain due to carcinoma of pancreas. Methods: This randomized comparative study carried out in the Department of Anaesthasia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka with a period from July 2008 to June 2010 for two (2) years. Result: All patients of carcinoma pancreas >18 years of age with both sexes, who were needed palliation for their end stage carcinoma, were included in this study and were divided into two groups of which group A was taken the CPB and group B was taken the conventional treatment. A total number of 30 patients were enrolled in this study of which 15 were in the group A who were treated with the neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) and 15 were in the group B who were treated with conventional analgesic drugs. Maximum were from the age group of 40 to 60 years (60.0%) in group A followed by more than 60 years (26.6 %). The mean age in the group A and group B patients were 48.73 14.26 years and 51.47 ± 12.35 years respectively (p=0.579). Both in group A and B male is predominant than female which were 12 (80%) cases and 3(20%) cases respectively (p=0.999) in each group. In group A mostly were service holder which was 8(53.3%). In group A, the mean (±SD) pain VAS before treatment is 8.80±0.86 and in group B, it is 8.07 ±1.44. The difference between this two group is not statistically significant (p=0.101). Conclusion: tthe findings of this study permit to conclude that in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer, neurolytic celiac plexus blockade (NCPB) was associated with improved pain control, and reduced narcotic usage and constipation compared with standard treatment with clinical significance. Along with higher ..........