Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pain Management

Abstract

The diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer has become a standard role for the endoscopic oncologist. Pancreatic cancer can produce disabling abdominal pain, and the medical management of this pain is often challenging. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis and celiac ganglia neurolysis serve as an alternative or adjunct for pain control in these patients. There remains a great deal of practice variability with regard to techniques and approaches. This article summarizes the latest scientific evidence and highlights contemporary best practice advice for these procedures.

Keywords: Celiac ganglia neurolysis; Celiac plexus neurolysis; Endoscopic ultrasound; Endosonography; Pancreatic cancer.