The role of neurolytic celiac plexus block in the treatment of pancreatic cancer pain.

Pancreatic carcinoma, an important leading cause of cancer death, has increased steadily in incidence and still has a poor prognosis. Pain is one of the most frequent symptoms, affecting more than 75% of patients. It is often present in the early stages of disease and may be severe and difficult to treat.

A pilot study on the efficacy of ketorolac plus tramadol infusion combined with erythrocytapheresis in the management of acute severe vaso-occlusive crises and sickle cell pain.

One of the major causes of hospitalization for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), which are characterized by acute pain and organ damage related to the presence of dense red cells. Here we report a pilot study which combined balanced analgesia with tramadol plus ketorolac and erythrocytapheresis. Key words: sickle cell disease, therapeutic erythrocytapheresis, HbS, visual analog scale, vaso-occlusive crisis.