EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis/block

Abstract

AbstractRefractory chronic abdominal pain as a result of inoperable pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis poses a formidable challenge and can be effectively relieved with celiac axis block or celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN). Percutaneous celiac plexus block (CPB) or computed tomography (CT)-guidance using anterior or posterior approaches has some limitations. However, endoultrasound (EUS)-guided CPB has evolved itself as an effective and safe procedure for management of refractory abdominal pain. The EUS offers advantages, which include accurate anatomic imaging, real-time monitoring of injection, and anterior approach, which avoids neurologic complications. The CPN can be combined with staging and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of a malignancy in the same session. The present review discusses anatomic details of celiac axis block, procedure-related details, complications, contraindications, comparison to other modalities, and results of various studies and author’s experience of EUS guided CPB/neurolysis.