Overview

Celiac plexus blocks are injections commonly used with cancer patients and for patients with chronic pancreatitis, who are suffering from chronic abdominal pain. They are a type of pain medication that help relieve the abdominal pain.

The celiac plexus is a bundle of nerves. It surrounds the aorta, which is the main artery into your abdomen. The injection blocks these nerves from carrying pain information and can help you stop feeling pain in your abdomen.

To administer the celiac plexus blocks, the patient lies on their stomach on a treatment table. The doctor will inject the medicine through the back next to the spine. Patients receive an injection of anesthetic first and then the treatment. The treatment is generally a same day treatment that lasts less than 30 minutes.

The results of the treatment differ for each person. Some people feel relief for weeks and some for years. You may need a series of injections to feel full relief, which could be anywhere from 2 to 10 injection appointments.

Patients may experience bruising or soreness at the injection site but overall the risk of complications from the procedure is very low. Serious complications are uncommon but include infection, collapsed lung, nerve damage and bleeding.

Side effects can include:

• Low blood pressure
• Diarrhea

Learn more about celiac plexus blocks in the video below. Schedule an appointment today!