Pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et al.]
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Randomized Controlled Trial
An open randomized comparison of clinical effectiveness of protocol-driven opioid analgesia, celiac plexus block or thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy for pain management in patients with pancreatic and other abdominal malignancies.
In inoperable malignancy, pain relief with opioids is often inadequate. Nerve block procedures may improve symptom control. Our aim was to assess celiac plexus block (CPB) and thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy (TS) in patients receiving appropriate medical management (MM). ⋯ Previous randomized studies have shown small differences in pain scores, but no difference in opioid consumption and quality of life. The absence of any benefit from interventions in the present study questions their value.