Paraplegia following Coeliac Plexus Block

The occurrence of paraplegia following coeliac plexus block, whether with 100070 alcohol or 6070 aqueous phenol, has been rare,I,2 and the recent use of fluoroscopy!would seem to be an additional safeguard.3 Nevertheless, despite the use of X-ray control, we describe a case of delayed paraplegia following a coeliac plexus block and discuss this complication and review the literature of other sequelae. CASE REpORTThe patient, a 70-year-old man, had a clinical diagnosis of carcinoma of the pancreas made one year previously, which was confirmed at operation for intestinal obstruction some five months later.This was relieved by gastrojejunostomy and choledochoj ej unostomy.He had developed diabetes mellitus and pancreatic insufficiency, which were being successfully controlled by diet and enzyme replacement respectively.He had had two myocardial infarctions.His medication on admission was oxprenolol, pancrelipase and codeine phosphate.He was referred to the Pain Management Unit and it was decided to perform a diagnosic coeliac plexus block, followed by a permanent block if indicated.The diagnostic block was performed using essentially the same technique as that described below.Having obtained satisfactory