Celiac plexus block ...success prediction

The predictive value of a neurolytic celiac plexus block can be determined by the degree of tumor invasion. Akhan et al found that the grade of tumor as measured by invasion of periaortic and paracaval fat planes was a good predictor for successful neurolytic celiac plexus block.

Greater than 50% invasion of the fat planes correlated with little pain relief.

Age, history of laparotomy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy have not been shown to decrease the efficacy of neurolytic celiac plexus blocks.

Akhan O, Altinok D, Ozman MN, et al. Correlation between the grade of tumoral invasion and pain relief in patients with celiac plexus block. AJR 1997;168:1565. [PMID: 9168726]

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sedationstation

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