The Korean Journal of Pain  2015;28(1):61-63

doi:10.3344/kjp.2015.28.1.61

The Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block on Intractable Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Surgery.

Jin KIM 1 ; Hahck Soo PARK ; Soo Young CHO ; Hee Jung BAIK ; Jong Hak KIM

Affiliations

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Keywords

Autonomic nerve block; Breast cancer; Lymphedema; Mastectomy; Nerve block; Stellate ganglion

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Lymphedema of the upper limb after breast cancer surgery is a disease that carries a life-long risk and is difficult to cure once it occurs despite the various treatments which have been developed. Two patients were referred from general surgery department for intractable lymphedema. They were treated with stellate ganglion blocks (SGBs), and the circumferences of the mid-point of their each upper and lower arms were measured on every visit to the pain clinic. A decrease of the circumference in each patient was observed starting after the second injection. A series of blocks were established to maintain a prolonged effect. Both patients were satisfied with less swelling and pain. This case demonstrates the benefits of an SGB for intractable upper limb lymphedema.