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Evidence Analysis of Sympathetic Blocks for Visceral Pain

  • Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (B Schneider, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This paper aims to review common sympathetic nerve blocks to treat visceral pain.

Recent Findings

Extensive reviews exist exploring the approach to care for those with visceral pain due to malignancy. These often include interventional pain procedures. Research demonstrates these procedures may reduce opioid use. Research is ongoing to assess the efficacy when treating non-malignant source of visceral pain. Recently, several case reports and small-scale studies demonstrate benefits for non-painful entities, such as improved cardiac function after such procedures.

Summary

The management of visceral algesia is complex. The approach to visceral pain should recognize the benefit of early discussions for the use of sympathetic blocks. Additionally, since most procedures have multiple techniques, analgesia can be achieved even in the setting of distorted anatomy due to tumor mass effects or post-radiation fibrosis, among other etiologies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., MC 7838, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA

    Ameet S. Nagpal, Isaac A. Zoch & Brian T. Boies

  2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., MC 7838, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA

    Darrell Vydra

  3. Department of Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Jesus Correa

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Nagpal, A.S., Vydra, D., Correa, J. et al. Evidence Analysis of Sympathetic Blocks for Visceral Pain. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 7, 253–263 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-019-00226-7

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