Transforaminal 5% phenol neurolysis for the treatment of intractable cancer pain

Anesth Analg. 2010 Jan 1;110(1):216-9. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0b013e3181c0ecd5. Epub 2009 Nov 12.

Abstract

This is the first case report of using a transforaminal approach for phenol administration. A 76-yr-old patient with a history of leiomyosarcoma and multiple metastatic lesions had unremitting pain in the right thoracic and lumbar regions and had prohibitive opioid-induced side effects. The patient underwent phenol neurolysis using a transforaminal approach in 2 stages at 3 levels (L3-4, L1-2, and T12-L1). The patient had complete resolution of pain, without any complications, and opioid treatment was nearly discontinued. Transforaminal phenol neurolysis is a reasonable treatment option for patients suffering from intractable pain for whom conventional therapies have proven ineffective.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Leiomyosarcoma / complications*
  • Leiomyosarcoma / pathology
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Pain, Intractable / drug therapy*
  • Pain, Intractable / etiology*
  • Palliative Care
  • Phenols / therapeutic use*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / complications*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Phenols