Plexus blocks like coeliac plexus, Hypogastric plexus, ganglon impair, sypathetic ganglion etc. can completely relieve the pain for 75% of cancer patients.

Reasons to perform the procedure

The Ganglion plexus is a group of nerves that supply organs. A plexus neurolysis may be performed if you are experiencing severe chronic pain from cancer or persistent pain associated with chronic inflammation that is not relieved by medications or other conservative measures. It is expected that the neurolysis will provide long-term relief (1 year or so) of your pain.

Before the procedure

You will be informed where and when to report for the procedure. You will be asked not to eat or drink after midnight the night before. You will be examined by your doctor and asked to rate your pain. You will be asked to not take your long acting pain medication the morning of the procedure, but you can take you short-acting medication.

Description of the procedure

Your consent will be obtained, and an intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed in your arm. You will lie on your stomach for the procedure. The nurse will give you IV fluids before the procedure. Your back will be cleaned with antiseptic and numbed with medication. Under the Fluroscopic guidance, needles will be inserted through the skin and local anesthetic (numbing medication) and then ethanol will be injected to neurolysis (destroy) the plexus.

After the procedure

You will be asked to rate your pain. You will go to the recovery room to be monitored. Your IV will be discontinued, and you will be discharged.