A comparison of two invasive techniques in the management of intractable pain due to inoperable pancreatic cancer: neurolytic celiac plexus block and videothoracoscopic splanchnicectomy

Percutaneous splanchnic nerve neurolysis analgesic efficacy and safety for cancer-related pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of publications to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and safety of percutaneous splanchnic nerve neurolysis (SNN) for cancer-related pain.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Ichushi-Web for English or Japanese articles published up to July 2022 and reporting patients who underwent percutaneous SNN for cancer-related pain. The outcome measures assessed in the systematic review and meta-analysis were the pain measurement scales and morphine equivalents daily dose (MEDD) before and after the intervention and the rate of complications.

RESULTS

Pooled pain measurement scores at pre-intervention, 1-2 weeks, and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months post-intervention were 6.65 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.77-7.67, I² = 97%), 2.79 (95% CI, 2.00-3.88, I² = 88%), 2.82 (95% CI, 2.49-3.20, I² = 55%), 2.86 (95% CI, 2.64-3.10, I² = 0%), 2.99 (95% CI, 2.56-3.46, I² = 82%), and 3.09 (95% CI, 1.44-6.65, I² = 70%), respectively. Mean MEDD was described in 8 of the 11 included articles. In all 8 articles, MEDD decreased up to 3 months post-intervention. The pooled minor complication rates for diarrhea and hypotension were 28% (95% CI, 13-49%, I² = 85%) and 31% (95% CI, 16-51%, I² = 80%), respectively. The pooled major complication rate was 2% (95% CI, 1-2%, I² = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis indicates that percutaneous SNN for cancer-related pain can be performed safely with sustained reduction of pain measurement scales while reducing the administration of opioids.

Management of pain and cachexia in pancreatic cancer: Protocol for two systematic reviews, network meta-analysis, surveys and focus groups (Preprint)

BACKGROUND

 Approximately 75% of people with pancreatic cancer experience pain, and >50% of them have cachexia (weakness and wasting of the body). However, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the management of these distressing symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

 Our primary objectives are to compare the relative benefits and harms of different interventions for pain in people with unresectable pancreatic cancer and for prevention and treatment of cachexia due to pancreatic cancer, through systematic reviews and network meta-analysis. Our secondary objectives are to develop an evidence-based clinical care pathway to manage pain and prevent and treat cachexia in people with pancreatic cancer through surveys and focus groups involving patients, carers, and health care professionals.

METHODS

 We will perform 2 systematic reviews of the literature related to pain and cachexia in people with pancreatic cancer using searches from Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index, and trial registries. Two researchers will independently screen for eligibility and identify randomized controlled trials (no language or publication status restriction), comparing interventions for pain or cachexia based on full-texts for articles shortlisted during screening. We will assess risk of bias in the trials using the Cochrane risk of bias tool (version 2.0) and obtain data related to baseline prognostic characteristics, potential effect modifiers and outcome data related to overall survival, health-related quality of life, treatment-related complications, and resource utilisation. We aim to conduct network meta-analysis on outcomes with multiple treatment comparisons where possible, otherwise, meta-analysis with direct comparisons, or narrative synthesis. We will perform various subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Using information obtained from both systematic reviews, we will conduct 2 surveys: one directed to patients or carers to assess acceptability of interventions, and the other to health care professionals to assess feasibility of delivery in the National Health Service. Four mixed focus groups will be conducted to evaluate findings and foster consensus in the development of the care pathway.

RESULTS

 Funding was awarded from April 2022 (NIHR202727). Both systematic review protocols were prospectively registered on PROSPERO in May 2022. Formal searches began thereafter. Approval by the University College London Research Ethics Committee (23563/001) was received in December 2022. Data collection began in January 2023; data analysis will begin in May 2023 (completion expected by October 2023).

CONCLUSIONS

 This study will comprehensively encompass major interventions for management of pain in people with unresectable pancreatic cancer, and prevention and treatment of cachexia in people with pancreatic cancer. Key stakeholders will facilitate the development of an evidence-based care pathway, ensuring both acceptability and feasibility. The project ends in April 2024 and published results are expected within 12 months of completion. We aim to present the findings through patient group websites, conferences, and publications, irrespective of the findings, in a peer-reviewed journal.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/46335.

Pancreas Cancer-Associated Pain Management

Pain is highly prevalent in patients with pancreas cancer and contributes to the morbidity of the disease. Pain may be due to pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, obstruction, and/or a direct mass effect on nerves in the celiac plexus. Proper supportive care to decrease pain is an important aspect of the overall management of these patients. There are limited data specific to the management of pain caused by pancreatic cancer. Here we review the literature and offer recommendations regarding multiple modalities available to treat pain in these patients. The dissemination and adoption of these best supportive care practices can improve quantity and quality of life for patients with pancreatic cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Pain management is important to improve the quality of life and survival of a patient with cancer. The pathophysiology of pain in pancreas cancer is complex and multifactorial. Despite tumor response to chemotherapy, a sizeable percentage of patients are at risk for ongoing cancer-related pain and its comorbid consequences. Accordingly, the management of pain in patients with pancreas cancer can be challenging and often requires a multifaceted approach.

Pain Relieving Effect of Intraoperative Chemical Splanchnicectomy of Celiac Ganglions in Patients with Resectable Pancreatic or Gastric Masses: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

Trials of intraoperative chemical splanchnicectomy during resection of pancreatic and gastric masses resulted in significant difference in a patient's postoperative pain. This study aims to determine if splanchnicectomy by alcohol neurolysis can relieve postoperative pain after gastrectomy and Whipple surgery. The study explores differences in outcomes at first four months after surgery.

Methods

Fifty-eight patients with gastric and 60 patients with pancreatic resectable masses were included (28 were lost to follow-up). Each randomized in control and intervention subgroups. Intervention subgroups underwent chemical blockage of celiac ganglions by ethanol injection at both sides of suprapancreatic aorta. Participants were asked to report their pain intensity according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at specific times.

Result

The overall postoperative pain of injected Whipple and gastrectomy subgroups was lower than the noninjected Whipple and gastrectomy subgroups (p < 0.001). The pain-modifying effect of the injection was not different between Whipple and gastrectomy groups (p=0.125).

Conclusion

Splanchnicectomy is recommended for pain reduction after abdominal operations. Perspective. This article presents positive effect of intraoperative chemical splanchnicectomy during resection of pancreatic and gastric masses on postoperative pain. This is an easy, effective, safe, and inexpensive procedure recommended for all operable gastric or pancreatic masses to palliate the pain degree.

Pancreatic cancer-A disease in need: Optimizing and integrating supportive care

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy that continues to be challenging to treat. PDAC has the lowest 5-year relative survival rate compared with all other solid tumor malignancies and is expected to become the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States by 2030. Given the high mortality, there is an increasing role for concurrent anticancer and supportive care in the management of patients with PDAC with the aims of maximizing length of life, quality of life, and symptom control. Emerging trends in supportive care that can be integrated into the clinical management of patients with PDAC include standardized supportive care screening, early integration of supportive care into routine cancer care, early implementation of outpatient-based advance care planning, and utilization of electronic patient-reported outcomes for improved symptom management and quality of life. The most common symptoms experienced are nausea, constipation, weight loss, diarrhea, anorexia, and abdominal and back pain. This review article includes current supportive management strategies for these and others. Common disease-related complications include biliary and duodenal obstruction requiring endoscopic procedures and venous thromboembolic events. Patients with PDAC continue to have a poor prognosis. Systemic therapy options are able to palliate the high symptom burden but have a modest impact on overall survival. Early integration of supportive care can lead to improved outcomes.

Interventional Techniques to Management of Cancer-Related Pain: Clinical and Critical Aspects

Interventional techniques to manage cancer-related pain may be efficient treatment modalities in patients unresponsive or unable to tolerate systemic opioids. However, indication and selection of the right technique demand knowledge, which is still incipient among clinicians. The present article summarizes the current evidence regarding the five most essential groups of interventional techniques to treat cancer-related pain: Neuraxial analgesia, minimally invasive procedures for vertebral pain, sympathetic blocks for abdominal cancer pain, peripheral nerve blocks, and percutaneous cordotomy. Furthermore, indication, mechanism, drug agents, contraindications, and complications of the main techniques of each group are discussed.

Transient paraplegia after neurolytic splanchnic block in a patient with metastatic colon carcinoma

We present a patient with metastatic colon carcinoma who developed paraplegia following a neurolytic splanchnic block. A 41-year old man with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon received a splanchnic neurolytic block using alcohol because of severe abdominal pain. Bilateral motor weakness and a sensorial deficit in both legs developed after the procedure. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal cord ischemia between T8 and L1. The motor and sensorial deficits were almost completely resolved at the end of the third month. We think that anterior spinal artery syndrome due to reversible spasms of the lumbar radicular arteries using alcohol have resulted in transient paraplegia. The retrograde spread of alcohol to neural structures may have also contributed.

Fluoroscopy-guided Neurolytic Splanchnic Nerve Block for Intractable Pain from Upper Abdominal Malignancies in Patients with Distorted Celiac Axis Anatomy: An Effective Alternative to Celiac Plexus Neurolysis - A Retrospective Study

Introduction:

The pain from upper gastrointestinal malignancy leads to considerable morbidity. The celiac plexus and splanchnic nerve neurolysis are good therapeutic options. Although splanchnic nerve neurolysis less frequently performed, but it has an edge over celiac plexus as it can be performed in patients with altered celiac plexus anatomy by enlarged lymph nodes.

Methods:

The fluoroscopy-guided splanchnic nerve neurolysis was done in about 21 patients with intractable upper abdominal pain with pain intensity of ≥7 in numerical rating scale (NRS) from upper gastrointestinal cancers with distorted celiac plexus anatomy from enlarged celiac lymph nodes as seen by computed tomography scan after positive diagnostic splanchnic nerve neurolysis. The demographic features, pain intensity, daily opioid dose, functional status and quality of life was measured at baseline and 1 week, 1 and 3 months after the procedure.

Results:

There was a significant improvement in pain intensity, opioid requirement, functional status, and physical components quality of life after the neurolysis (P < 0.05) and this improvement had continued till 3 months. There were also more than 50% reduction in pain intensity and significant decrease in opioid requirement in all the patients after neurolysis.

Conclusion:

The fluoroscopy-guided splanchnic nerve neurolysis results significant pain relief, decrease in opioid intake, improvement in functional status, and quality of life for up to 3 months in upper abdominal pain from gastrointestinal cancers in patients with distorted celiac lymph node anatomy not amenable to celiac plexus neurolysis.

Invasive treatment of pain associated with pancreatic cancer on different levels of WHO analgesic ladder

Background

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant neoplasm with a high mortality rate, often associated with a delayed diagnosis, the early occurrence of metastasis and an overall, poor response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Pain management in pancreatic cancer consists mainly of pharmacological treatment according to the WHO analgesic ladder. Surgical treatment for pain relief, such as splanchnicectomy, is considered amongst the final step of pain management. It has been proven that splanchnicectomy is a safe procedure with a small percentage of complications, nevertheless, it is often used as a last resort, which can significantly decrease its effectiveness. Performance of thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy along the first step of the analgesic ladder may lead to long-lasting protection against the presence and severity of pain.

Methods/Design

A prospective, open label, 1:1 randomized, controlled trial, conducted at a single institution to determine the effectiveness of invasive treatment of pain via splanchnicectomy, in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The size of tested group will consist of 26 participants in each arm of the trial, to evaluate the level of pain relief and its impact on quality of life. To evaluate the influence on patients’ rate of overall survival, a sample size of 105 patients is necessary, in each trial arm. Assessments will not only include the usage of analgesic pharmacotherapy throughout the course of disease, and overall patient survival, but also subjective pain perception at rest, in movement, and after meals (measured by NRS score questionnaire), the patient’s quality of life (measured using the QLQ-C30 and FACIT questionnaires), and any pain-related suffering (measured with the PRISM projection test). The primary endpoint will consist of pain intensity. Questionnaires will be obtained upon the initial visit, the day of surgery, the day after surgery, as well as during long-term follow-up visits, held every two weeks thereafter.

Discussion

Earlier implementation of invasive treatment, such as thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy, can provide a higher efficacy of pain management, prevent deterioration in the patient’s quality of life, and lengthen their overall survival.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02424279. Date of registration January 2, 2015.

An overview of experimental and early investigational therapies for the treatment of polycystic kidney disease

INTRODUCTION

At present, treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is essentially supportive as there is still no specific therapy. However, recent advances with ADPKD pathophysiology have stimulated research for new therapeutic strategies.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the experimental and early investigational therapies currently under evaluation in this field. Data from completed clinical trials were retrieved from the currently available scientific literature and from the ClinicalTrials.gov website.

EXPERT OPINION

Among the drugs currently being explored, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors reduce kidney volume enlargement but their role remains uncertain. The most promising drug is the V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan, which reduces the increased rate of total kidney volume and slows down glomerular filtration rate decline. The main candidates for the treatment of cysts growth, both in the kidney and in the liver whenever present, are the somatostatin analogues, such as lanreotide and octreotide and more recently pasireotide. As for other therapies, some favorable results have been achieved but data are still not sufficient to establish if these approaches may be beneficial in slowing ADPKD progression in the future.

[Ganglion block. Celiac plexus neurolysis]

BACKGROUND

Pain originating from the organs of the upper abdomen, especially in patients suffering from inoperable carcinoma of the pancreas or advanced inflammatory conditions, is difficult to treat in a significant number of patients.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL PROCEDURES

Computed tomography (CT) guided neurolysis is the most commonly used technique for neurolysis of the celiac plexus. Ethanol is used to destroy the nociceptive fibers passing through the plexus and provides an effective means of diminishing pain arising from the upper abdomen.

METHODS

Using either an anterior or posterior approach, a 22 G Chiba needle is advanced to the antecrural space and neurolysis is achieved by injecting a volume of 20-50 ml of ethanol together with a local anesthetic and contrast medium.

PERFORMANCE

In up to 80% of patients suffering from tumors of the upper abdomen, CT-guided celiac plexus neurolysis diminishes pain or allows a reduction of analgesic medication; however, in some patients the effect may only be temporary necessitating a second intervention. In inflammatory conditions, celiac neurolysis is often less effective in reducing abdominal pain.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The CT-guided procedure for neurolysis of the celiac plexus is safe and effective in diminishing pain especially in patients suffering from tumors of the upper abdomen. The procedure can be repeated if the effect is only temporary.

Comparative Study of the Effects of the Retrocrural Celiac Plexus Block Versus Splanchnic Nerve Block, C-arm Guided, for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Tumors on Pain Relief and the Quality of Life at a Six-month Follow Up

Background

The celiac plexus and splanchnic nerves are targets for neurolytic blocks for pain relief from pain caused by upper gastrointestinal tumors. Therefore, we investigated the analgesic effect of a celiac plexus block versus a splanchnic nerve block and the effects of these blocks on the quality of life six months post-intervention for patients with upper GIT tumors.

Methods

Seventy-nine patients with inoperable upper GIT tumors and with severe uncontrolled visceral pain were randomized into two groups. These were Group I, for whom a celiac plexus block was used with a bilateral needle retrocrural technique, and Group II, for whom a splanchnic nerve block with a bilateral needle technique was used. The visual analogue scale for pain (0 to 100), the quality of life via the QLQ-C30 questionnaire, and survival rates were assessed.

Results

Pain scores were comparable in both groups in the first week after the block. Significantly more patients retained good analgesia with tramadol in the splanchnic group from 16 weeks onwards (P = 0.005, 0.001, 0.005, 0.001, 0.01). Social and cognitive scales improved significantly from the second week onwards in the splanchnic group. Survival of both groups was comparable.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate that the efficacy of the splanchnic nerve block technique appears to be clinically comparable to a celiac block. All statistically significant differences are of little clinical value.

Splanchnicectomy for pancreatic cancer pain

Persistent pain is a serious problem that often contributes to a poor quality of life in pancreatic cancer patients. Medical management by opioid analgesics is often accompanied by side effects and incomplete pain relief. A celiac plexus block is a simple treatment which relieves pain, but the procedure demands a certain degree of proficiency and the duration of the effects obtained can be rather limited. Transhiatal bilateral splanchnicectomy achieves a certain denervation of splanchnic nerves, but it requires a laparotomy. Unilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to cause definite denervation. Bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy is recommended for unsatisfactory cases or recurrent pain occurring after the initial unilateral splanchnicectomy. It is important to select the most suitable treatment depending on patients' actual medical state and the predicted outcomes.

Recent advances in cancer pain management

Pain is the most feared symptom of cancer. New oncological cancer treatments are improving survival, but advanced cancer presents challenges that have not been seen before, often with pain that is very difficult to manage because of a recurrent tumour that is invading the central nervous system. In some of the older interventional techniques of destroying nerve pathways, expertise has diminished or has been deemed unnecessary with the development of specialist palliative care. Not all pain is managed adequately with the analgesic ladder. Knowledge of pain mechanisms, careful assessment and selection of the right technique at the right time will enhance cancer pain management. New techniques include intrathecal drug therapy, vertebroplasty, cordotomy, ultra-sound guided nerve blocks, neuromodulation and advances in drug therapies.

Celiac plexus neurolysis for abdominal cancer pain: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review assesses the effectiveness and side effects of celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) in the treatment of upper abdominal cancer pain, and evaluates whether there are any differences between the percutaneous and endoscopic ultrasound-guided (EUS) denervation techniques.

METHODS

Five databases were searched, expanded by assessing the reference lists of all retrieved papers. Sixty-six publications fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Randomized controlled trials were available for the percutaneous CPN, and therefore meta-analyses were performed for pain, opioid consumption, and specific side effects. The quality of life data were too heterogeneous to be assessed by a meta-analysis, and evidence for EUS CPN could only be evaluated by observational studies.

RESULTS

Meta-analyses show that percutaneous CPN significantly improves pain in patients with upper abdominal cancer, with a decrease in opioid consumption and side effects. It is unclear whether there is any change in quality of life. Case series suggest that EUS CPN improves pain. No conclusion can be made about EUS CPN's influence on opioid consumption. Although CPN is a safe procedure, side effects and complications can occur with both the percutaneous and EUS techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Following this review, evidence suggests that CPN should be considered in patients with upper abdominal cancer where the pain is not adequately controlled with systemic analgesics or when significant opioid-induced side effects are present. The percutaneous approach remains the standard technique as robust evidence for EUS CPN is lacking.

Influence of religiosity on the quality of life and on pain intensity in chronic pancreatitis patients after neurolytic celiac plexus block: case-controlled study

The quality of life in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) is reduced due to their suffering of high levels of pain. It has been presented that quality of life can also be linked to religiosity and/or spirituality. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of religious practices on the quality of life and on the subjective level of pain in CP patients. Ninety-two patients (37 women and 55 men) with chronic pancreatitis were treated invasively for pain with neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB). The religiosity of the patients was recorded and served as a dichotomizer. Group 1 was for patients who claimed to have no contact with the church or to have very sporadic contact (N = 35 patients). Group 2 was for patients who claimed to have deep faith and were regular participants at church activities (N = 57 patients). Visual analogue scale was used to assess pain, while the quality of life was measured by using QLQ C-30 questionnaire adapted for chronic pancreatitis patients in Polish population. The patients were assessed prior to the pain-relieving intervention and subsequently 2 and 8 weeks after it. The intensity of pain was reduced in both groups significantly after performing the NCPB. Patients who declared a deep faith reported higher level of pain on the VAS scale prior to intervention than non-religious patients. Quality of life in both groups of patients significantly improved after NCPB. Following NCPB, global quality of life in patients who declared higher religiosity/church attendance was significantly higher (79.88) than for those patients who have no contact or sporadic contact with the church (44.21, P < 0.05). NCPB resulted in significant reduction of pain and increase in quality of life in both groups of patients with CP. Nevertheless, in the group declaring higher religiosity/church attendance, reported pain was higher, but, despite that, quality of life better. It may be concluded that religious practices might serve as an additional factor improving quality of life and coping in patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis.

Recent Non-Interventional Advances in Cancer Pain Among Singapore Patients

Introduction: Pain is a common symptom in cancer patients, but very little information about the prevalence, severity, and treatment of pain in cancer patients in Singapore is available. Therefore, our prospective survey in the National Cancer Centre (NCC) outpatients is incorporated in this report. In addition, a review concerning the recent advances on non-interventional pain management in cancer treatment, which is relevant in the context, is discussed. Materials and Methods: For the prospective survey, a questionnaire was distributed for self-administration by patients while waiting for consultation at the NCC outpatient departments. Literature searches on advances in pain management were conducted, reviewed and discussed. Results: In the last decade, there have been advances in pain pharmacology ranging from wider therapeutic options and management approaches to novel delivery techniques. Acupuncture and massage therapy became increasingly popular among cancer patients. Some clinical trials of acupuncture show benefits in palliation of cancer pain. From the prospective survey, 41.2% of the responders reported pain in the past week, and only 70.8% talked to their doctors about their pain. One third of the patients received analgesics. Of these, 86.5% said that they were taking the prescribed medications, however, 37.4% admitted to having difficulties taking them. Non-drug methods were used by 25.4% of the patients. Medicated oil, cream or gel was used by 49.3%; only 2.6% reported use of Chinese herbs. Conclusion: Pain is a significant symptom in outpatients attending a cancer centre, affecting 41.2% of the patients. Although majority of patients who suffered from pain reported this to doctors, much more medical effort is needed to help patients to relieve their pain and proper complementary therapy could be considered. Key words: Cancer outpatients, Complementary therapies, Non-pharmacological pain treatments, Pain prevalence

Nerve-cancer interactions in the stromal biology of pancreatic cancer

Interaction of cancer cells with diverse cell types in the tumor stroma is today recognized to have a fate-determining role for the progression and outcome of human cancers. Despite the well-described interactions of cancer cells with several stromal components, i.e., inflammatory cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and pericytes, the investigation of their peculiar relationship with neural cells is still at its first footsteps. Pancreatic cancer (PCa) with its abundant stroma represents one of the best-studied examples of a malignant tumor with a mutually trophic interaction between cancer cells and the intratumoral nerves embedded in the desmoplastic stroma. Nerves in PCa are a rich source of neurotrophic factors like nerve growth factor (NGF), glial-cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), artemin; of neuronal chemokines like fractalkine; and of autonomic neurotransmitters like norepinephrine which can all enhance the invasiveness of PCa cells via matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) upregulation, trigger neural invasion (NI), and activate pro-survival signaling pathways. Similarly, PCa cells themselves provide intrapancreatic nerves with abundant trophic agents which entail a remarkable neuroplasticity, leading to emergence of more routes for NI and cancer spread, to augmented local neuro-surveillance, neural sensitization, and neuropathic pain. The strong correlation of NI with PCa-associated desmoplasia suggests the potential presence of a triangular relationship between nerves, PCa cells, and other stromal partners like myofibroblasts and pancreatic stellate cells which generate tumor desmoplasia. Hence, although not a classical hallmark of human cancers, nerve-cancer interactions can be considered as an indispensable sub-class of cancer-stroma interactions in PCa. The present article provides an overview of the so far known nerve-cancer interactions in PCa and illustrates their ominous role in the stromal biology of human PCa.

Differential epidural block predicts the success of visceral block in patients with chronic visceral abdominal pain

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Differential thoracic epidural regional block, also known as a differential neural block (DNB), involves the placement of an epidural catheter placed in the thoracic epidural space to achieve appropriate anesthesia in a dermatomal distribution. This is a retrospective case series evaluating how well a DNB may predict success of subsequent visceral blockade in patients with chronic abdominal pain of visceral origin.

METHODS

Of 402 patients who had a DNB performed for unexplained abdominal pain from January 2000 to January 2009, 81 patients were found to have results consistent with visceral pain and thus underwent subsequent visceral blockade. Basic demographic data, years of chronic pain, history of psychosocial issues, initial visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, pain location, and medication usage were documented in our electronic medical record database. Parameters regarding DNB and visceral blocks also were documented. Descriptive statistics were computed for all variables. The positive predictive value (PPV) for DNB for whom visceral block was successful (at least a 50% reduction in VAS) was calculated. Additionally, subjects with successful visceral blocks were compared to those with unsuccessful visceral blocks.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients with chronic abdominal pain with normal gastrointestinal studies who underwent DNB.

SETTING

Tertiary Outpatient Pain Management Clinic.

DESIGN

  Retrospective Cohort Study.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients was 46 (± 15) years, 73% were female, and median duration of pain was 5 years. 67% of subjects were taking opioid analgesics. PPV of DNB was 70.4%. Only factor found to be statistically significant with visceral block success was baseline VAS with higher scores associated with DNB predictive success (6.8 ± 1.7 vs. 5.5, 1.8; P = 0.004). Use of membrane stabilizing medications was significantly more common in subjects for whom visceral block was not successful (46% vs. 25%; P = 0.058). Area underneath curve (AUC) for VAS was found to be 0.70 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.82), which signifies fair discrimination.

CONCLUSION

Differential neural block is fairly predictive of subsequent visceral block success in patients with chronic abdominal pain of visceral origin. An initial VAS ≥ 5 provides a sensitivity of 93%, which implies that VAS < 5 may predict unsuccessful visceral block. Contrarily, a value of ≥ 8 would provide a specificity of 92% and may be used to predict success of subsequent visceral block.

Pain management in pancreatic cancer

A majority of pancreatic cancer patients present with pain at the time of diagnosis. Pain management can be challenging in light of the aggressive nature of this cancer. Apart from conventional pharmacotherapy, timely treatment with neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) has been shown to be of benefit. NCPB has demonstrated efficacious pain control in high quality studies with analgesic effects lasting one to two months. NCPB has also shown to decrease the requirements of narcotics, and thus decrease opioid related side effects. Another option for the control of moderate to severe pain is intrathecal therapy (IT). Delivery of analgesic medications intrathecally allows for lower dosages of medications and thus reduced toxicity. Both of the above mentioned interventional procedures have been shown to have low complication rates, and be safe and effective. Ultimately, comprehensive pancreatic cancer pain management necessitates understanding of pain mechanisms and delivery of sequential validated therapeutic interventions within a multidisciplinary patient care model.

Fate of nerves in chronic pancreatitis: Neural remodeling and pancreatic neuropathy

There is probably no other gastrointestinal disorder which is as much characterized by concomitant local, intra-organ and central neuropathic and neuroplastic alterations as chronic pancreatitis (CP). While some key features of this neuropathy have recently been elucidated, there is still no satisfying pathophysiological explanation for the generation of neuropathic pain in CP. It is becoming increasingly clear that an effective pain treatment in CP can probably not be achieved without consideration of the exact fate of intrapancreatic nerves and central neuroplastic alterations. This review is intended to illustrate the temporal and spatial alterations of intrapancreatic nerves in the course of CP. At the same time, it depicts the reciprocal relationship between these plastic changes and thus underlines the notion of a 'common fate' for all these alterations. Moreover, it points out numerous aspects of this fate that are yet to be unveiled and should therefore be subject to future investigation.

Endoscopic ultrasonography guided celiac plexus neurolysis and celiac plexus block in the management of pain due to pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis

Pain is a common symptom of pancreatic disease and is frequently difficult to manage. Pain relief provided by narcotics is often suboptimal and is associated with significant side effects. An alternative approach to pain management in pancreatic disease is the use of celiac plexus block (CPB) or neurolysis (CPN). Originally performed by anesthesiologists and radiologists via a posterior approach, recent advances in endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) have made this technique an attractive alternative. EUS guided celiac plexus block/neurolysis is simple to perform and avoids serious complications such as paraplegia or pneumothorax that are associated with the posterior approach. EUS guided CPN should be considered first line therapy in patients with pain due to pancreatic cancer. It provides superior pain control compared to traditional management with narcotics. A trend for improved survival in pancreatic cancer patients treated with CPN has been reported, but larger studies are needed to confirm this finding. At this time, the use of EUS guided CPB cannot be recommended as routine therapy for pain in chronic pancreatitis since only one-half of the patients experience pain reduction and the beneficial effect tends to be short lived. EUS guided CPB and CPN should be used as part of a multidisciplinary team approach for pain management.

Opioid use determines success of videothoracoscopic splanchnicectomy in chronic pancreatic pain patients

OBJECTIVE

Videoscopic splanchnicectomy (VSPL) is a method of pain relief in chronic pancreatitis patients. Because this method is not equally effective in all patients, this study was designed to identify the factors determining the unfavorable results of VSPL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a non-randomized prospective case-controlled study designed to compare a group of patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis treated with VSPL (N = 48) versus a group of patients treated symptomatically (N = 42). The outcome was measured as the intensity of pain ailments [visual analog scale (VAS)-pain scale] and subjective satisfaction of the patients from the surgical treatment [Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Treatment Satisfaction (FACIT-TS)]. The predictive variables considered in this study were: age, sex, emotional status, social support (the two last variables were measured by subscales of quality-of-life questionnaire from the group of FACIT), history of previous surgical treatment, and opioid use for at least 3 months before VSPL. The follow-up was 18 months. Logistic regression was performed using dichotomized pain as outcome variable: high score more than 66.7 on VAS scale and low under 50 points on VAS scale 18 months after VSPL.

RESULTS

VSPL significantly reduced the pain ailments at all points of the study when compared to the control. However, the pain intensity at the end of the study was higher than directly after the surgery. In the patients treated with opioids before the surgery, the pain intensity was significantly higher than in the patients not using this group of drugs. Logistic regression revealed that opioid administration before VSPL was the most important predictor of high pain scores 18 months after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

When planning the VSPL in the treatment of pain in patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis, it is necessary to take into consideration the previous chronic use of opioids, as this variable can significantly influence poorer results of this surgical pain management.

Innovations in Treating the Elderly Who Have Biliary and Pancreatic Disease

Many diseases of the biliary tract and pancreas preferentially effect the elderly. Recent innovations in the evaluation and management of these disorders have directly impacted the lives of many seniors. Improved outcomes of pancreatic surgery is a good example of a positive impact in quality of life, especially when these surgeries are performed in centers of excellence. Evaluation and treatment strategies are presented for complicated calculous biliary disease, pancreatic carcinoma, and pancreatic cystic neoplasms.