CELIAC PLEXUS BLOCK FOR CHRONIC PAIN SYNDROMES

The purpose of this article is to familiarize the anaesthetist with th e basic anatomy of the coeliac plexus, the techniques used to perform the procedure, its indications, complications and results in the manag ement of chronic abdominal pain syndromes. Radiological, surgical and anaesthetic literature from the beginning of the century were reviewed . The main indication for neurolytic coeliac plexus block is intractab le pain secondary to carcinoma of the pancreas or stomach. There appea r to be theoretical advantages to techniques that result in spread of solution anterior to the aorta, such as the trans-aortic approach. The se have not yet been demonstrated in any studies with large numbers of patients.