Yan, B.M., & Myers, R.P. (2007). Neurolytic celiac plexus block for pain control in unresectable pancreatic cancer. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 102(2), 430–438.
To compare the efficacy and safety of neurolytic celiac plexus blockade (NCPB) to the efficacy and safety of standard treatment of patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer
The search retrieved 491 articles. Authors described the data-abstraction procedures, quality-rating method, and meta-analysis procedures.
The sample included five randomized controlled trials whose results were published 1993–2004. The sample was composed of 302 patients.
Compared with standard treatment, NCPB was associated with significant improvement in pain. Although the average change in pain score was small, the change was accompanied by a significant reduction in opioid use for pain control. The durability of NCPB impact is unknown. Effect seems to increase within eight weeks, but no data are available regarding use beyond that period. The study demonstrated no significant intergroup differences in the relative risk of adverse events.
Nurses should be aware that NCPB is an option for managing the pain of patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Awareness will enable nurses to advocate for the procedure when appropriate and to inform patients of potential treatment options. The duration of NCPB is unknown.