The Neurolytic Celiac Plexus Block

 

Summary

In this Pain Exam Podcast episode, Dr. David Rosenblum discusses a journal club article on low volume neurolytic retrocrural celiac plexus blocks for visceral cancer pain. The study reviewed 507 patients with severe malignancy-related abdominal pain, with data retained for 455 patients at the 5-month mark. Dr. Rosenblum explains that the procedure involves injecting 3-5ml of 6% aqueous phenol at the T12-L1 level under fluoroscopic guidance, with an average procedure time of 16.3 minutes. The study found significant pain relief lasting up to six months, reduced opioid consumption, and improved quality of life for patients with primary abdominal cancer or metastatic disease. Dr. Rosenblum shares his personal experience with celiac plexus blocks, including the trans-aortic approach he trained on, and mentions his interest in ultrasound-guided approaches. He also announces upcoming teaching engagements at ASPN, Pain Week, and other conferences, as well as CME ultrasound courses available through nrappain.org. Additionally, he mentions a new community page on the website where users can share board preparation information, though he emphasizes that remembered board questions should not be posted as he is a board question writer himself.

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Highlights

Introduction and Upcoming Events

Dr. David Rosenblum introduces the Pain Exam Podcast and shares information about upcoming events. He mentions teaching ultrasound at ASPN in July, attending Pain Week in September, and participating in the Latin American Pain Society conference. Dr. Rosenblum also promotes his CME ultrasound courses available at nrappain.org and mentions he's considering organizing another regenerative medicine course in fall or winter. He offers private training for those wanting more intensive ultrasound instruction.

Board Prep Community Announcement

Dr. Rosenblum announces a new community page on the nrappain.org website for board preparation. He explains that registered users can access free information and keywords relevant to board exams. He emphasizes that users should not post remembered questions as this would be inappropriate, noting that he himself is a board question writer for various pain boards. Dr. Rosenblum mentions that a post about phenol in this community inspired today's podcast topic.

Journal Article Overview on Celiac Plexus Block

Dr. Rosenblum introduces a journal article on low volume neurolytic retrocrural celiac plexus block for visceral cancer pain, a retrospective review of 507 patients with severe malignancy-related abdominal pain. He explains that the study assessed pain relief provided by this procedure, its duration, reduction in daily opioid consumption, and quality of life improvements. The patients received neurolytic blocks without previous diagnostic blocks due to multiple comorbidities, which Dr. Rosenblum acknowledges is sometimes necessary with very sick patients despite the typical preference for diagnostic blocks before neurolysis.

Dr. Rosenblum's Personal Experience with Celiac Plexus Blocks

Dr. Rosenblum shares his personal training experience with trans-aortic celiac plexus blocks, where a needle is inserted through the aorta after confirming no plaques or aneurysms are present. He describes it as a safe and effective procedure despite sounding intimidating. He mentions he's only performed a handful of these procedures and doesn't do many now as an outpatient pain doctor.

Study Methods and Results

Dr. Rosenblum details the study methods, noting that of 507 patients studied, data for 455 was retained at the end of the review. Patients were evaluated before and after the neurolytic retrocrural celiac plexus block under fluoroscopic guidance. Assessment included procedure duration, pain scores (0-10 scale), daily opioid consumption, and quality of life improvement. Follow-up was completed six months after the procedure, showing improved pain scores, reduced opioid consumption, and better quality of life throughout the study period. Some pain returned during months 4-6 due to disease progression and the anticipated duration of the neurolytic agent. The study noted a 6.7% initial vascular contrast uptake during the procedure while using digital subtraction angiography with fluoroscopy.

Study Limitations and Conclusions

Dr. Rosenblum discusses the study's limitations, including the need for a larger sample size and a prospective trial with a control group, though he acknowledges this is unrealistic given the patient population. He mentions that a proven quality of life questionnaire would be beneficial, and that comparing alcohol, phenol, and RF thermocoagulation would be interesting to evaluate duration effects and side effects. The study concluded that low volume neurolytic retrocrural celiac plexus block with phenol is safe, providing up to six months of pain relief for abdominal pain due to primary malignancy or metastatic spread.

Detailed Procedure Technique

Dr. Rosenblum explains the detailed procedure technique used in the study. The retrocrural celiac plexus was targeted at L1 level with aim towards T12. Anterior and posterior radiographic imaging aligning the spinous process of T12-L1 junction was used with 15-20 degree oblique rotation. Local anesthetic (1% lidocaine with sodium bicarbonate) was infiltrated along the injection path. A 22 or 25 gauge 3.5-7 inch curved spinal needle was used depending on patient body habitus. Dr. Rosenblum notes he typically uses a 6-inch Chiba needle or 25 gauge spinal needle for such procedures.

Procedure Execution and Monitoring

Dr. Rosenblum continues describing the procedure, noting that the needle was advanced to the anterior border of T12-L1 under multiple imaging views. Contrast dye studies verified spread and location, with digital subtraction angiography used to check for intravascular uptake. A test dose of 1ml of 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine per site was administered, which Dr. Rosenblum finds interesting as he typically doesn't mix bupivacaine with epinephrine. After confirming no vascular uptake, 3-5ml of 6% aqueous phenol was injected in 1ml aliquots while communicating with the patient. The average procedure time was 16.3 minutes with minimal or no sedation. Patients remained prone for 30 minutes afterward to avoid neuroforaminal spread, as phenol is heavier and more viscous than alcohol.

Post-Procedure Care and Study Evaluation

Dr. Rosenblum explains that patients were monitored in recovery for one hour for adverse events and their ability to eat and void easily. They were discharged once hospital post-anesthetic criteria were met and received a follow-up call 24 hours later. Dr. Rosenblum praises the study and notes that the procedure looks similar to a lumbar sympathetic plexus block, which is also a sympathetic block.

Ultrasound Considerations and Alternative Approaches

Dr. Rosenblum shares his interest in ultrasound-guided celiac plexus blocks but acknowledges concerns about bowel perforation. He mentions a conversation with an interventional radiology colleague who suggested a transhepatic approach. Dr. Rosenblum recalls scanning a very thin patient where the aorta was easily visible and close to the anterior abdominal wall, making the celiac plexus potentially accessible if bowel perforation, liver bleeding, or gallbladder perforation could be avoided. He shares an experience with a patient suffering from severe pancreatitis pain who received temporary relief from a paravertebral thoracic nerve block at T8-T10, noting that paravertebral blocks provide some sympathetic spread.

Conclusion and Community Resource Reminder

Dr. Rosenblum concludes by recommending the article, noting its well-written analysis and graphs showing morphine consumption dropping over months following the procedure. He suggests neurolytic procedures are underutilized because they sound intimidating. He again encourages listeners to check out the community he created with separate chat rooms for regenerative medicine, regional anesthesia, and pain boards, where users can share keywords but not specific board questions. Dr. Rosenblum reminds listeners about upcoming courses and his website resources, mentions an upcoming PRP lecture, and asks for five-star reviews if listeners enjoy the podcast. The episode ends with a standard medical disclaimer.

Reference

https://www.painphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=NTQwOA%3D%3D&journal=113