Open AccessEffect of the stellate ganglion block on symptoms of ulcerative colitis
Author(s) -
Young S. Kim,
Jang Ho Song,
Young Jun Kim,
Kyung Joo Lee,
Sun Hee Lee,
Na Eun Kim
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.59
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1536-5964
pISSN - 0025-7974
DOI - 10.1097/md.0000000000026684
Subject(s) - medicine , ulcerative colitis , colonoscopy , mesalazine , abdominal pain , gastroenterology , colitis , bloody , surgery , disease , colorectal cancer , cancer
Rationale: Chronic ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease in which epithelial injury continuously occurs in the colonic mucosa. While mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) is used to treat ulcerative colitis, it can also cause liver failure, headaches, and abdominal pain; therefore, an alternative treatment is required. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 80 stellate ganglion blocks in reducing pain and other symptoms in a patient with chronic ulcerative colitis. Patient concerns: A 54-year-old female patient with a history of ulcerative colitis was concerned with worsening symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort and bloody-mucous stools, over the past 3 years. Diagnoses: Oozing mucosal bleeding and a small amount of exudate were observed on colonoscopy; a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was made upon histologic examination. Interventions and outcomes: A total of 80 stellate ganglion blocks were administered, after which the patient's symptom and pain level was decreased from 6 to 4 points on the numeric rating scale (11-point, 0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable). Improved clinical signs were observed on colonoscopy at a follow-up assessment. Lessons: The stellate ganglion block may be effective for the reduction of pain and other symptoms in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis.