Outcomes of Transaortic Celiac Plexus Block for Upper Abdominal Malignancies Performed as a Day-care Procedure: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Severe abdominal pain refractory to opioids significantly affects the quality of life (QoL) in patients with abdominal primary cancer or metastatic disease. A neurolytic celiac plexus block (CPB) would be necessary to alleviate pain and improve QoL until death. Aims: The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate pain relief after a transaortic celiac plexus neurolysis for patients with upper gastrointestinal malignancies. Settings and Design: This retrospective observational study was done in the Pain Department, Shri Siddhivinayak Cancer Hospital, Miraj from January 2005 to January 2015. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-four patients with upper abdominal malignancy received a computed trans-aortic celiac plexus block (TAoCPB) on a day-care basis. The primary outcome was pain as assessed with numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 10; the secondary outcome measures were morphine consumption per day, QoL, and complications, if any. These were recorded before intervention, on day 1 after the block and at 1 month interval until 6 months. Statistical Analysis Used: Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons and a P < 0.0167 (0.05/3) was considered to be statistically significant due to 3 co-primary outcomes being measured (visual analog scale [VAS] scores, morphine consumption, and QoL). Results: Up to 4.5 months, the VAS score, daily morphine consumption, and the QoL showed improvement for the duration of the study. Pain gradually increased at 6 months with a deterioration of QoL. Respiratory distress and burning sensation in chest occurred in one patient each. Conclusions: A low-volume TAoCPB is effective and established procedure as a day-care procedure. Although pain relief occurs until 4.5 months, a gradual increase was perceived with a decline of quality of health at 6 months.