Paraplegia following intraoperative celiac plexus injection

The technique for percutaneous and open neurolytic celiac plexus injection, using ethanol of phenol, for relief of intractable pancreatic cancer pain has been well described. Prospective randomized studies, demonstrating safe ty and efficacy with few complications, have led to widespread acceptance a nd use of this palliative procedure. The complications of neurolytic celiac plexus injection are rare, and are usually minor. However, transient or pe rmanent paraplegia has been reported previously in 10 cases. The case descr ibed herein represents the third reported case of permanent paraplegia foll owing open intraoperative neurolytic celiac plexus injection using 50% etha nol. The literature surveying the indications for this procedure, routes of administration, known complications, and their pathophysiology ale reviewe d.