Background: Abdominal cancers are aggressive with high mortality that causes severe abdominal pain and affects
quality of life seriously. The disease is often resistant to analgesics, opioid and adjuvants but better response to
neurolysis and pain management in the context of palliative care should be an early part of the overall therapeutic
plan.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency thermocoagulation (TRF) of bilateral thoracic
(Th) splanchnic nerves at the level of Th10 and Th11 in the management of upper abdominal cancer pain.
Methods: It included 30 patients suffering from abdominal pain due to upper abdominal cancers for whom bilateral
thoracic splanchnic nerves block (SNB) was performed by radiofrequency thermocoagulation at two level of Th10
and Th11. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) [0-10], 24 hrs oral morphine consumption, functional improvement (success
rate) and complications were assessed and recorded before and after the block for 3 months follow up period.
Results: The VAS scores and MST (Morphine sulphate tablets) doses showed significant reduction with TRF from
the 1st day postprocedural up to the end of follow up with good success rate. No major complication was recorded.
Conclusion: Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of both splanchnic nerves at level of Th10 and Th11 may offer a
safe and effective technique for pain management in patients suffer from upper abdominal cancer.
Trial registry: It was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov at no.: NCT0306312.