Authors: Amr S et al
European Journal of Pain (Jul 2018)
METHODS The study was conducted on 60 patients aged ≥18 years who suffered from abdominal pain (visceral pain, VAS ≥4) due to upper abdominal cancers. Participants were randomized into two groups. Group I (RF): 30 participants received a bilateral splanchnic nerve block at T10 and T11 levels using RFA. Group II (alcohol): 30 participants received a bilateral splanchnic nerve block at T11 using alcohol. Pain relief was assessed using VAS (0-10) and total daily oral opioid consumption (primary outcome).
RESULTS Significant reductions of VAS and global perceived effect satisfaction scores (GPES) were observed in both groups compared to baseline levels (p < 0.001); Group I had the largest reduction. MST consumption and QOL scores improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). Oral opioid consumption started to reduce at the end of the first post-interventional week for Group I, 0.00 (0-45 mg), and at the end of the second post-interventional week for Group II, 20.00 (0-135 mg). No major complications were recorded in either group.
CONCLUSION Simultaneous bilateral pain block of splanchnic nerves at the levels of T10 and T11 using RFA is more effective than using alcohol at a single level of T11 in cancer patients presenting with upper abdominal pain. The RFA intervention acted faster, provided longer duration analgesia, worked in a higher proportion of patients and had a better safety profile than the alcohol intervention.
SIGNIFICANCE Radiofrequency ablation of the splanchnic nerves is safe and effective for relieving upper abdominal cancer pain.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.