Improved technique for CT-guided celiac ganglia block.

Celiac nerve blocks have been performed without radiologic guidance, but recently several groups have reported computed tomography (CT)-guided techniques. The authors present a new technique of CT-guided celiac nerve block using an 18 gauge Teflon catheter, which permits a test block dose and permanent alcohol block with one procedure. The results of this new technique were very encouraging. Of nine cancer patients who had the test block, seven had good pain relief; these same patients had good pain control with the permanent block. Of six patients with pancreatitis, six had good pain relief from the test block, and three had some long-term relief from the permanent block.