Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation of Bilateral Thoracic Splanchnic Nerves for the Management of AbdominalCancer Pain | ||||
SECI Oncology Journal | ||||
Article 2, Volume 5, Issue 3, July 2017, Page 35-47 PDF (585.99 K) | ||||
DOI: 10.21608/secioj.2017.10554 | ||||
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Abstract | ||||
Background: Abdominal cancers are aggressive with high mortality that causes severe abdominal pain and affects quality of life seriously. The disease is often resistant to analgesics, opioid and adjuvants but better response to neurolysis and pain management in the context of palliative care should be an early part of the overall therapeutic plan. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency thermocoagulation (TRF) of bilateral thoracic (Th) splanchnic nerves at the level of Th10 and Th11 in the management of upper abdominal cancer pain. Methods: It included 30 patients suffering from abdominal pain due to upper abdominal cancers for whom bilateral thoracic splanchnic nerves block (SNB) was performed by radiofrequency thermocoagulation at two level of Th10 and Th11. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) [0-10], 24 hrs oral morphine consumption, functional improvement (success rate) and complications were assessed and recorded before and after the block for 3 months follow up period. Results: The VAS scores and MST (Morphine sulphate tablets) doses showed significant reduction with TRF from the 1st day postprocedural up to the end of follow up with good success rate. No major complication was recorded. Conclusion: Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of both splanchnic nerves at level of Th10 and Th11 may offer a safe and effective technique for pain management in patients suffer from upper abdominal cancer. Trial registry: It was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov at no.: NCT0306312. | ||||
Keywords | ||||
Splanchnic nerves; radiofrequency thermocoagulation; upper abdominal cancers; Pain | ||||
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