Transforaminal 5% phenol neurolysis for the treatment of intractable cancer pain

Abstract

This is the first case report of using a transforaminal approach for phenol administration. A 76-yr-old patient with a history of leiomyosarcoma and multiple metastatic lesions had unremitting pain in the right thoracic and lumbar regions and had prohibitive opioid-induced side effects. The patient underwent phenol neurolysis using a transforaminal approach in 2 stages at 3 levels (L3-4, L1-2, and T12-L1). The patient had complete resolution of pain, without any complications, and opioid treatment was nearly discontinued. Transforaminal phenol neurolysis is a reasonable treatment option for patients suffering from intractable pain for whom conventional therapies have proven ineffective.