Illustration of nerve network in abdomen, representing EUS-CGN therapy.

Unstoppable Vomiting? How Targeted Nerve Therapy Can Help

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 5 min read.

"Discover how a novel endoscopic ultrasound technique offers new hope for those suffering from severe, intractable vomiting due to pancreatic cancer."

Severe vomiting can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals battling advanced abdominal cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer. This relentless vomiting often persists despite various medications and supportive care, leaving patients and their families feeling helpless. Traditional approaches may not always address the root cause, leading to frustration and a search for alternative solutions.

A recent case study sheds light on a promising technique called endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac ganglia neurolysis (EUS-CGN). This minimally invasive procedure targets the celiac ganglia, a cluster of nerves in the abdomen that play a key role in transmitting pain and other signals from abdominal organs. By carefully injecting medication to block these nerves, EUS-CGN aims to disrupt the vomiting signals and provide much-needed relief.

This article will explore the details of this innovative approach, examining how it works, who might benefit from it, and what the future holds for managing intractable vomiting in cancer patients. We'll break down the medical jargon and present the information in an accessible way, empowering you to understand this potential treatment option and discuss it with your healthcare team.

EUS-CGN: A Targeted Approach to Vomiting Relief

Illustration of nerve network in abdomen, representing EUS-CGN therapy.

The celiac plexus is a network of nerves located in the upper abdomen, near the celiac artery. It acts as a major communication pathway between the abdominal organs and the brain. In cases of pancreatic cancer, the tumor can irritate or compress these nerves, leading to a cascade of signals that trigger nausea and vomiting.

EUS-CGN is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) to visualize the celiac ganglia. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and guided into the stomach and small intestine. Using ultrasound guidance, a needle is then inserted into the celiac ganglia, and a small amount of alcohol (ethanol) is injected to block the nerve signals.

Precision Targeting: EUS allows for precise visualization and targeting of the celiac ganglia, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional surgery, EUS-CGN is performed through an endoscope, resulting in less pain, a shorter recovery time, and reduced risk of complications.
Potential for Significant Relief: By blocking the nerve signals, EUS-CGN can significantly reduce or eliminate vomiting, improving the patient's quality of life and allowing them to better tolerate cancer treatments.

The case study detailed in the research article highlights the potential benefits of EUS-CGN. A 50-year-old man with advanced pancreatic cancer experienced severe, intractable vomiting despite receiving standard anti-nausea medications. After undergoing EUS-CGN, his vomiting significantly decreased, and he was able to resume eating normally. While this is just one case, it demonstrates the potential of this technique to provide relief when other treatments fail.

Hope for Intractable Vomiting: What This Means for Patients

Intractable vomiting can be a devastating symptom for individuals with advanced cancer, impacting their ability to eat, maintain their strength, and participate in daily activities. EUS-CGN offers a potential solution for those who have not found relief with traditional anti-nausea medications.

While EUS-CGN is not a cure for cancer, it can significantly improve a patient's quality of life by alleviating a debilitating symptom. This can allow them to better tolerate cancer treatments, maintain their nutritional status, and enjoy a greater sense of well-being.

If you or a loved one is experiencing severe, intractable vomiting due to pancreatic cancer or another abdominal cancer, talk to your doctor about whether EUS-CGN might be an appropriate treatment option. Further research is ongoing to determine the long-term effectiveness and optimal use of this technique, but the initial results are promising and offer hope for those seeking relief.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s12328-017-0761-0, Alternate LINK

Title: A Case Of Pancreatic Cancer With Severe Vomiting Treated By Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Celiac Ganglia Neurolysis

Subject: Gastroenterology

Journal: Clinical Journal of Gastroenterology

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Asami Kawai, Masataka Kikuyama, Kohei Enokida, Shinya Kawaguchi, Naofumi Shirane, Shuzo Terada

Published: 2017-08-16

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac ganglia neurolysis (EUS-CGN) and how does it work to stop unstoppable vomiting?

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac ganglia neurolysis, or EUS-CGN, works by precisely targeting the celiac ganglia, a cluster of nerves in the abdomen responsible for transmitting signals from abdominal organs. Using an endoscope guided by ultrasound, medication, often alcohol (ethanol), is injected to block these nerve signals, disrupting the vomiting reflex. This targeted approach aims to alleviate intractable vomiting, particularly in patients with pancreatic cancer, by directly addressing the source of the nerve irritation.

What role does the celiac plexus play in causing severe vomiting, especially in cases of pancreatic cancer?

The celiac plexus is a crucial network of nerves situated in the upper abdomen near the celiac artery, acting as a major communication pathway between the abdominal organs and the brain. In conditions like pancreatic cancer, the tumor can irritate or compress these nerves. This compression triggers a cascade of signals, resulting in persistent nausea and vomiting. The celiac plexus plays a central role in the mechanism that leads to intractable vomiting.

What are the key benefits of using EUS-CGN compared to traditional methods for treating intractable vomiting?

EUS-CGN offers several advantages. It allows for precise targeting of the celiac ganglia, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues due to the use of endoscopic ultrasound. It is a minimally invasive procedure performed through an endoscope, leading to less pain, a shorter recovery time, and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional surgery. By blocking the nerve signals, EUS-CGN has the potential to significantly reduce or eliminate vomiting, improving the patient's quality of life and their ability to tolerate cancer treatments. The precision and minimally invasive nature are key benefits.

How does intractable vomiting affect a cancer patient's life, and how can EUS-CGN offer a better quality of life?

Intractable vomiting significantly diminishes the quality of life for individuals, particularly those battling advanced abdominal cancers like pancreatic cancer. This relentless vomiting interferes with their ability to eat, reduces their strength, and hinders their participation in daily activities. EUS-CGN offers renewed hope to those who haven't responded to standard anti-nausea medications, potentially improving their overall well-being and allowing them to better manage their cancer treatments.

Is EUS-CGN a guaranteed solution for everyone suffering from severe vomiting due to pancreatic cancer, and what factors might affect its success?

While EUS-CGN shows promise, it is essential to note that its effectiveness can vary among individuals. Patient selection is critical, and factors such as the extent and location of the pancreatic cancer, the patient's overall health, and the presence of other medical conditions can influence the outcome. Further research is needed to establish definitive guidelines for patient selection and to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of EUS-CGN. It's not a guaranteed solution for everyone, and a thorough evaluation by a qualified medical team is crucial.