The effectiveness of repeat celiac plexus neurolysis for pancreatic cancer: a pilot study
Pain Practice, 05/10/2012
McGreevy K et al. – Repeat celiac plexus neurolysis (rCPN) does not provide as much pain relief as iCPN. Disease progression as detailed on imaging appears to be a majo
Methods- Patients who underwent rCPN were identified from a database and their records reviewed.
- Responses of rCPN were then compared with iCPN for success rates and duration of relief.
- Success was defined as ≥ 50% pain relief lasting ≥ 1 month.
- Overall, there were 24 rCPN performed.
- The success rate decreased from 67% after initial CPN to 29% following rCPN (P = 0.13).
- The mean duration of pain relief decreased in parallel from 3.4 months (iCPN) to 1.6 months (rCPN) (P = 0.03).
- Among those who had a successful rCPN, 2.9 months elapsed from iCPN to rCPN, with disease progression noted in 29%.
- In those who failed rCPN, 7.8 months elapsed, with disease progression appreciated in 71% of cases.
