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952-841-2345Celiac Plexus Block
The celiac plexus is a network of nerves located in the upper abdomen near the aorta, just behind the stomach and close to the pancreas. These nerves transmit pain signals from many abdominal organs, including the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, stomach, spleen, kidneys, and portions of the intestines.
When these nerves become involved in chronic abdominal pain conditions, a celiac plexus block may help provide significant pain relief.
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What is a celiac plexus block?
A celiac plexus block is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to relieve chronic upper abdominal pain.
During the procedure, a physician injects anesthetic medication around the celiac plexus nerves to interrupt pain signals traveling from the abdominal organs to the brain.
A celiac plexus block may be used both diagnostically—to determine whether the celiac plexus is the source of pain—and therapeutically to provide pain relief.
Who may benefit from a celiac plexus block?
A celiac plexus block may be recommended for patients experiencing chronic upper abdominal pain related to conditions such as:
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Other abdominal cancers
- Certain chronic abdominal pain disorders
Your physician will review your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment history to determine whether this procedure may be appropriate for your pain management plan.
What can I expect during a celiac plexus block?
If you are receiving sedation, it will be administered before the procedure begins.
You will be positioned comfortably on the procedure table, and the skin over the treatment area will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution. Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) or other image-guidance technology, your physician will carefully guide the needle to the celiac plexus.
Once proper needle placement is confirmed, medication will be injected around the nerve bundle. The procedure typically takes only 10-15 minutes to complete.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Following the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area where a nurse will monitor you for a short period. Patients who receive IV sedation may require additional observation time.
You should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Most patients can return to normal activities the following day.
Pain relief may occur within hours to several days following the procedure. The amount and duration of relief varies depending on the underlying condition being treated.
Not all patients experience the same level of pain relief. Response to treatment depends on the cause of the pain and individual factors.
It is common to experience mild soreness at the injection site for several days. Temporary changes in blood pressure, feelings of warmth, or loose stools may also occur after the procedure. Your care team will review any post-procedure instructions with you before discharge.
What are the risks of a celiac plexus block?
As with any injection procedure, there are potential risks, although serious complications are uncommon. Risks may include bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, temporary low blood pressure, diarrhea, soreness at the injection site, or nerve injury. Your physician will review the risks and benefits with you before treatment.
Celiac plexus blocks at Twin Cities Pain Clinic
At Twin Cities Pain Clinic, our specialists perform celiac plexus blocks as a non-surgical treatment option for chronic upper abdominal pain. This procedure is often considered for pain related to pancreatic conditions, certain abdominal cancers, chronic pancreatitis, and other abdominal pain disorders when conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief.
These procedures are typically covered by most insurance plans and are performed safely and comfortably in our outpatient surgery centers by experienced pain management physicians.
Coverage for a celiac plexus block varies by insurance plan. Our team can help verify your benefits before treatment.
Celiac Plexus Blocks can be utilized as a treatment for:
Schedule a consultation with Twin Cities Pain Clinic today to learn whether a celiac plexus block may be an appropriate option for your pain management plan.
Schedule a consultation today