[Celiac plexus block. Modeling study using images of computerized tomography].

To determine possible risks of the blind approach to the coeliac plexus, a method for simulating Bridenbaugh's "blind" coeliac plexus block by CT slices and scoutviews was employed. This mathematical simulation of the blind approach to the coeliac plexus was applied to CT images of 50 patients suspected of upper abdominal tumours. This simulation revealed that the following organs would have been punctured inadvertently: Spinal nerves, liver, kidney, aorta, aortic wall, pancreas, lymphomas. The total percentage of misdirected punctures according to this simulation would have been 41%. The importance of the coeliac plexus block in patients with chronic pain is stressed. Literature studies and the results of the present study indicate that CT-guided or ultrasound-guided techniques should be preferred in coeliac plexus block whenever the facilities are available.