CELIAC PLEXUS BLOCK WITH ALCOHOL FOR RELIEF OF UPPER ABDOMINAL-PAIN DUE TO CANCER

Abstract

One hundred cases of celiac plexus block in which absolute alcohol was used as a sclerosing agent, performed over a period of 10 yr between 1963 and 1973, are analyzed. A success rate of 91% in relieving the pain of advanced intraabdominal malignant disease in claimed and reasons for failures are advanced. The technique described is relatively simple and a 3-day hospital stay is all that is required. This procedure should be done before the invalid is subjected to repeated injections of narcotic drugs or any form of surgery for pain relief.