Celiac Plexus Block

Celiac Plexus Block

Most pain sensations from your abdomen first pass through bundle of nerves called a plexus. A celiac plexus block is an injection in your back of a local anesthetic (like Novocain) in the area of a nerve plexus which goes to (innervates) the organs in your abdomen. Cancer and pancreatitis are common causes of abdominal pain. A celiac plexus block is performed for the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal pain. Often, the block is first performed with a local anesthetic which temporarily "blocks" the plexus. When the local anesthetic wears off, it is likely that the pain will return, although in some people, even temporarily blocking the pain sensations can result in sustained relief. If you achieve good temporary relief with the local anesthetic block, the injection can and may be repeated using a different drug (alcohol or phenol) which will damage the nerve plexus, thus blocking the nerves for a long time. This is called a neurolytic (nerve destruction) block.

The block will take about an hour to be performed. An IV is first placed in your arm. You will be placed face down (prone) on the fluoroscopy (X-ray) table. Your back will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution and then numbed with a local anesthetic. The doctor will use X-ray to help guide the placement of the needle(s). Dye will be injected first to assure correct placement of the needle(s). Some times, we do this with the use of a CAT scan. Then, the local anesthetic will be injected and the needle(s) removed. Next, you will be taken to the recovery area where your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored. A Band-Aid may be applied to the injection site. The nurse will review your discharge instructions with you before going home.

Important!

Neurolytic blocks are usually not performed for cases of chronic pancreatitis because of the fact that nerve destructive procedures with alcohol should not be performed on multiple occasions. There is also possibility of post-ablation neuritis. Your doctor will discuss these with you in detail.