Ultrasound-guided Sciatic Nerve Block (Pulsed Radiofrequency) for Intractable Cancer Pain Caused by Sacral Bone Metastasis
Fujiwara, S.; Komasawa, N.; Hyoda, A.; Kuwamura, A.; Kido, H.; Minami, T.
Masui. Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology 64(6): 663-665
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4892 PMID: 26437562 Document Number: 685014
We report a case of successful pulsed radiofrequency stimulation of the sciatic nerve for intractable cancer pain caused by sacral bone metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer. A 57-year-old man who suffered from intractable left femoral pain was diagnosed with cancer metastasis to the sacral bone and lumbar spine. Oral oxycodone relieved the pain at rest but he could not walk or remain sitting due to the pain during exercise. Oxycodone rescue or increase did not relieve the pain, but induced drowsiness. Given that sciatic nerve block with mepivacaine was effective, we performed pulsed radiofrequency with ultrasound guidance twice. Pulsed radiofrequency relieved the left femoral pain and he could sit for hours and walk uneventfully. Our finding suggest that ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency of the sciatic nerve effectively relieves intractable left femoral pain caused by sacral bone metastasis.