Celiac Plexus Nerve Block

A celiac plexus block, also known as a celiac nerve block, is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting pain medication into the celiac plexus, a bundle of nerves in the abdomen that sends pain signals to the brain and spinal cord. The celiac plexus is located between the diaphragm and stomach, near the celiac artery, and allows you to feel sensation in the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, stomach, spleen, kidneys, and intestines.

When is the procedure recommended?

Celiac plexus blocks can be used to treat chronic abdominal pain, pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, severe upper abdominal pain, or back pain. It's particularly beneficial for patients with malignant and benign disorders, and can relieve pain for weeks or even years. 

How is the procedure performed?

During the procedure, our interventional radiologist uses X-Ray imaging to guide thin needles into the patient's back on either side of their spine. A contrast dye is then injected to confirm the needle placement, as well as a local anesthetic to numb the surrounding nerve fibers.
Pain medication, such as epinephrine or clonidine is then injected to block the nerves from carrying pain information to the abdomen.

What are the benefits?

A celiac plexus nerve block can provide significant pain relief for abdominal pain caused by a variety of conditions: pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, liver metastasis, gallbladder cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, neuroblastoma, and hepatoblastoma.

 

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