Phantom pain with probable reflex sympathetic dystrophy: efficacy of fentanyl infiltration of the stellate ganglion.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The stellate ganglion can alleviate phantom pain of the upper extremity, possibly because of the presence in it of enkephalin receptors, as has been suggested by experimental and clinical reports. A case is reported in which fentanyl, instead of local anesthetic, was used for stellate ganglion block. METHODS: A 49-year-old man, with a left below-elbow amputation, presented with probable symptoms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy, pain and temperature changes at the stump, and phantom hand symptoms the English-language literature revealed no reports of the use of fentanyl infiltration of the stellate ganglion was performed for management of this condition. RESULTS: Significant alleviation of pain and sensation of warmth at the stump and in the phantom hand was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Fentanyl infiltration of the stellate ganglion proved to be successful in the management of the pain and temperature sensation changes in the stump and phantom upper extremity.