Neural blockade for abdominopelvic pain of oncologic origin

NEURAL BLOCKADE in well-selected patients is a valuable method of relieving pain due to cancer. Its application is most appropriate in the context of an interdisciplinary treatment program that includes consideration of pharmacologic, physical, and psychological interventions. Local anesthetic blocks temporarily inhibit fibers transmitting pain and are valuable diagnostic tools, and the injection of alcohol and phenol often provide lasting relief of oncologic pain. Abdominal and pelvic pain are particularly amenable to management with neural blockade. Celiac plexus block and superior hypogastric plexus block, when performed for abdominal and pelvic pain, respectively, are sufficiently safe and effective and should be considered early in the course of treatment.