Splanchnic neurolysis for gallbladder cancer pain

Abstract

Abdominal sympathetic blockade is a safe, minimally invasive and proven measure for pain control in intra-abdominal malignancies. Hereby, we report a case of severe abdominal and back pain due to advanced carcinoma gall bladder refractory to oral and transdermal medications, managed successfully by bilateral splanchnic neurolysis using 50% alcohol under fluoroscopy. Pain was significantly relieved immediately after the procedure with a gradual reduction in analgesics consumption. The effect was sustained during follow-up with improved quality of life.

Keywords

• Cancer pain
• gallbladder malignancy
• splanchnic neurolysis