Splanchnic Neurolysis (Abdominal Nerve Destruction)
If you or someone close to you is living with severe upper abdominal pain caused by cancer — pain that does not ease even with high doses of morphine — Splanchnic Neurolysis is an advanced interventional procedure that offers a meaningful alternative. It can significantly reduce pain, improve quality of life, and reduce dependence on heavy opioid medication.
What Is Splanchnic Neurolysis?
Splanchnic Neurolysis is a targeted pain procedure for patients with abdominal cancer pain. It works by injecting a neurolytic agent — a chemical that permanently disrupts nerve function — directly onto the splanchnic nerves: the primary nerve pathways that carry pain signals from the upper abdominal organs to the brain.
By interrupting this pathway at its source, the procedure effectively "cuts" the pain signal before it reaches the brain. The result is a marked reduction in pain and a significant decrease in the patient's need for opioid medications such as morphine.
Who Is This Treatment Suitable For?
Splanchnic Neurolysis is specifically indicated for patients with severe, persistent upper abdominal pain arising from the following cancers:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Lower oesophageal cancer
- Gastric (stomach) cancer
- Liver cancer
These cancers characteristically produce intense, continuous visceral pain as they invade surrounding organ structures — pain that standard analgesic regimens frequently fail to control adequately. Splanchnic Neurolysis is designed for patients in this situation: where medication alone is no longer sufficient and quality of life is being severely compromised.
The Procedure (Approximately 20–30 Minutes)
This is a precise, high-accuracy procedure with a strong safety profile. General anaesthesia is generally not required given the short procedure time.
- Positioning — the patient lies face down on the procedure table
- Image guidance — the physician uses real-time fluoroscopy (live X-ray) to accurately locate the splanchnic nerves and confirm needle position before any injection is made
- Neurolysis — fine needles are advanced through the skin to the target nerve location; a concentrated solution of alcohol or phenol is then injected to permanently disrupt the nerve fibres responsible for transmitting pain signals from the upper abdominal organs
Expected Outcomes
Most patients begin to notice a meaningful reduction in pain within a few days of the procedure. The pain-relieving effect typically lasts 2–6 months, during which patients generally experience improved comfort, greater mobility, and a significantly better quality of life. Individual outcomes vary depending on the nature of the underlying cancer and the patient's overall condition and response.
Self-care After the Procedure
- Rest : Rest for the full day following the procedure. Avoid physically demanding activities.
- Expected side effects at the injection site : Mild soreness, tightness, or minor bruising at the needle entry points is normal and typically resolves within 2–3 days.
Temporary systemic effects : Some patients experience a transient drop in blood pressure or loose stools following the procedure. These are known physiological responses to splanchnic nerve disruption and generally resolve on their own within 1–3 days.
When to seek urgent medical attention : Contact your physician or go to an emergency department promptly if you experience any of the following:
- Chest tightness or difficulty breathing
- Significantly worsening pain
- Numbness or weakness in the trunk or legs
- Prolonged or severe dizziness, or sustained low blood pressure
- Large or spreading bruising at the injection site
- Any other symptoms that concern you or feel out of the ordinary
Pain Management at Bangkok Interventional Clinic
At Bangkok Interventional Clinic, we focus on personalised, in-depth pain management tailored to each individual.
- All patients are evaluated and treated by a board-certified pain specialist, ensuring accuracy, safety, and effective care.
- Targeted interventional procedures for fast and effective symptom relief
- Patient education to support sustainable, long-term self-care
Our goal is to meaningfully improve the quality of life of every patient we treat. If you are living with pain that affects your daily life, the right diagnosis and the right treatment plan are where change begins.
