Background and aims
We performed a retrospective audit to review how often and for which conditions in our patient population sympathetic ganglion blocks were being performed. We also reviewed the extent our patients benefited and rates of serious complications
Methods
Pain theatre lists during the period December 2016 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed and patients who underwent sympathetic ganglion blocks were identified. These blocks included Stellate ganglion, coeliac plexus, and lumbar sympathetic blocks. A standard mixture of local anaesthetic and steroid was used for the blockade. Patient procedure notes, subsequent patient clinic letters and communications were reviewed to gather data.

Results
There were 25 patients who received sympathetic ganglion blocks during the time period audited. The most common indications were visceral pain (13) and CRPS(6). The age range was 17 to 86. There were 16 female and 9 male patients. There were 8 patients who were lost to follow up. 12 of 17 patients reported an improvement in their pain after the block. 9 of 11 patients with visceral pain reported improvement. There were no serious complications reported.

Conclusions
Our data confirms sympathetic ganglion blocks can be effective as part of the bio psycho social approach to different chronic pain conditions. The benefit was most marked in patients with a diagnosis of visceral pain. Further research should focus of analysing patient factors affecting likelihood of benefiting from a procedure.

AUDIT OF INDICATIONS FOR AND EFFICACY OF SYMPATHETIC GANGLION BLOCKS PERFORMED IN OUR HOSPITAL