Infiltration block of the coeliac plexus using a plastic catheter
Balamoutsos, N.G.; Gerogianni-Koŭlali, M.
Regional-Anaesthesie 5(3): 64-67
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0171-1946 PMID: 7122932 Document Number: 184874
Nine patients with cancer of the stomach or pancreas suffered from intractable pain that was not relieved by analgesic medication. The celiac plexus was approached from the back, 2 long Teflon catheters being directed onto the appropriate ganglia under X-ray control. When the catheters were correctly positioned, 25 ml of Xylocaine 0.5-0.8% were administered via each catheter under continuous aspiration. The successful and uneventful trial was followed with injection of an equal volume of 25 ml 50% alcohol through each catheter on the next day. In 8 patients, pain ceased completely; the 9th patient presented with 50% improvement. In the last 5 patients alcohol was injected 2-3 h after the injection of the local anesthetic. One patient developed a postspinal headache from accidental puncture of the dura mater and a mild toxic reaction to Xylocaine. Three patients presented hypotension after the Xylocaine was administered.