Comparing Neurolytic Coeliac Plexus Block and Neurolytic Splanchnic Nerve Block for Pain Relief in Adults with Upper Abdominal Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two types of nerve block procedures, Neurolytic Splanchnic Nerve Block NSNB and Neurolytic Coeliac Plexus Block NCPB, to reduce pain in adults with upper abdominal cancers such as pancreatic, gastric, hepatic, or biliary malignancies. This interventional study aims to compare the pain relief effectiveness and safety of these two procedures, focusing on pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale VAS and recording any adverse effects experienced. Participants will be assigned to receive either NSNB or NCPB under fluoroscopic guidance. For NCPB, the procedure involves injecting local anesthetic and alcohol at the T12-L1 vertebral level, while NSNB targets the T11-T12 level with a similar injection method but using different alcohol volumes. Both procedures are performed with patients positioned prone, and participants are monitored immediately and for two hours after the procedure for complications such as hypotension or neurological changes. Throughout the study, participants will have their pain intensity recorded immediately after the procedure, at 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months. Opioid consumption and quality of life using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire will also be tracked at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Safety assessments include monitoring for complications like diarrhea, back pain, pneumothorax, and neurological changes. The study provides ongoing follow-up to assess treatment effects and safety over three months.

Coeliac Plexus vs Splanchnic Nerve Neurolysis for Upper Abdominal Cancer Pain