Two Cases of Splanchnic Nerve Block With Epidural Anesthesia in Patients Unable to Maintain Prone Position Due to Pancreatic Pain

• Published in: Palliative medicine reports Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 274 - 277
• Main Authors: Sekiguchi, Shunya, Ishida, Yusuke, Tomino, Mikiko, Ohseto, Kiyoshige
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 140 Huguenot Street, 3rd Floor New Rochelle, NY 10801 USA Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers 01.09.2023; Mary Ann Liebert
• Subjects: Case Discussions in Palliative Medicine; epidural anesthesia; pancreatic cancer; prone position; splanchnic nerve block
• ISSN: 2689-2820; 2689-2820
• DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0031

Splanchnic nerve block is considered to be effective for abdominal visceral pain, and is performed for the purpose of controlling abdominal pain and back pain caused by upper abdominal cancer. The patients in this case report were candidates for splanchnic nerve block owing to cancer-associated pain. However, because they could not assume the prone position that is required for the block owing to their pain, combined epidural anesthesia was used, resulting in successful implementation of the splanchnic nerve block. Patients who are candidates for splanchnic nerve block often have advanced cancer, and it is hence often difficult to secure and maintain the position required for the procedure owing to their severe pain. The two patients presented here suggest the possibility that epidural anesthesia might be useful as an adjunct in such cases.