Flank hernia secondary to phenol nerve block.
BACKGROUND
The management of patients with chronic pain is challenging. The aim of treatment is alleviation of symptoms in an attempt to increase functional capacity. Interventional procedures, such as chemical neurolysis are adopted when other techniques fail to provide adequate pain control.


RESULTS
An 82-year-old man presented with a history of chronic left sided abdominal pain. This was initially treated with central nerve blockade. His symptoms persisted and he was scheduled for an intercostal neurolytic block with 6% aqueous phenol. Following the procedure, he experienced further abdominal pain and developed a painful left flank swelling. CT scan, ultrasound scan, and colonoscopy excluded the presence of an organic cause, such as intra-abdominal pathology. A left flank hernia was subsequently diagnosed. Conservative management was employed. Surgical repair will be implemented should conservative measures fail to control symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
This case raises our awareness of a complication that may occur with phenol intercostal neurolysis.
Department of General Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
Z
Z
Al-Hilli
J
J
Deasy
J
J
Keaveny
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000628:therapy; D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000294:innervation; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001340:Autonomic Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D046449:Hernia, Abdominal / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019800:Phenol
D019800:Phenol