Neurolytic Splanchnic Nerve Block for the Treatment of Upper Abdominal Pain

상복부 암성통증 환자관리에 있어서 내장신경통 차단술의 임상적 고찰

Neurolytic splanchnic nerve block is an effective method for the relief of pain of upper abdominal cancer. Nine cases of intractable upper abdominal cancer pain were treated by splanchnic nerve block with absolute alcohol (25 ml) at the pain clinic of Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, during a 19 month period from March, 1988 to September, 1989. The group included six patients with stomach cancer, two patients with pancreatic cancer, and one patient with hepatobiliary cancer. We used fluoroscopy in all cases of alcohol spianchnic nerve block to determine both, the position of the needle tip, and the spread of the neurolytic solution. Of the 9 patients, 6 patients had excellent pain relief, and 3 patients who had combined upper abdominal and lower back pain had relieved upper abdominal pain only, but remaining lower back pain. Of the 9 patients', 5 patients had excellent pain relief through the patients remaining life (1-2 months) in which follow up was possible.