Temporary Celiac Ganglion Block as a Test Before Celiac Ganglion Resection for Dysautonomia-Related Bowel Dysmotility
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2021-05-15
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Dysautonomia is malfunction of the autonomic nervous system. It usually results from
overactivity of the sympathetic portion and over-secretion of acetylcholine. Symptoms depend
on the organ involved by this sympathetic overstimulation. Involvement of the
gastrointestinal system results in chronic dysmotility, nausea, vomiting, food intolerance,
weight loss and need for feeding tube placement and/or parenteral feeding. Autonomic celiac
ganglia resection has been shown to alleviate symptoms as it interrupts the sympathetic
stimulation to the gastrointestinal (GI) system, however there is no pre surgery test to
confirm the diagnosis. The investigators' objective is to temporarily block the celiac
ganglion with a long acting anesthetic (liposomal bupivacaine). If symptoms abate the
diagnosis is confirmed and patient will proceed to surgery.