Abstract: Objective:To study the procedure of open MR-guided celiac plexus blocking surgery and to evaluate its effect. Methods: MR-guided celiac plexus blocking surgery was performed on 12 patients with late stage cancer due to severe chronic abdominal pain. Five patients accompanied with extensive retroperitoneal lymph nodes involving into masses were subjected to surgeries in which needle tips and chemotherapy particles were inserted into the lymph nodes. The degree of pain relief was evaluated before and after the procedure. Results: All patients were successfully localized, targeted and treated under MRI guidance. MRI displayed the ethanol distribution throughout the celiac plexus. Eleven patients felt obvious relief and only one experienced no effect at all. Conclusion: MR-guided placement of the needle is an accurate, safe and effective technique for celiac plexus blocking surgery.

Key words: Magnetic resonance imaging, Celiac plexus, Pain