Retroperitoneal Necrosis as a Rare Complication After Celiac Plexus Block

Authors

Ya Zhou MD, Baystate HealthFollow
Brendan O'Donovan DO, Baystate HealthFollow
Jorind Beqari MD, Baystate HealthFollow
Reginald Alouidor MD, Baystate HealthFollow

Author Department

Surgery; Anesthesiology

Document Type

Article, Peer-reviewed

Publication Date

2-2021

Abstract

Long after surgical treatment, chronic pain continues to afflict many patients with pancreatic cancer. Multimodal pain management is the current approach to managing these complex patients. In patients with refractory pain, a celiac plexus block is a commonly used adjunct to optimize pain control. The sclerosing agents used in a celiac plexus block are known to cause local tissue necrosis as a rare complication. We present a case of extensive retroperitoneal necrosis following celiac plexus neurolysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of extensive retroperitoneal necrosis after a celiac plexus block requiring operative management.

Keywords: celiac block; complications; pain management.

Recommended Citation

Zhou Y, O'Donovan B, Beqari J, Alouidor R. Retroperitoneal Necrosis as a Rare Complication After Celiac Plexus Block. Cureus. 2021 Feb 6;13(2):e13169. doi: 10.7759/cureus.13169.

PMID

33692928