Evidence Analysis of Sympathetic Blocks for Visceral Pain

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.