The Celiac Plexus Block, performed using a percutaneous approach, involves the administration of anesthetic medication to the bundle of nerves supplying the abdomen (the celiac plexus). This procedure aims to minimize, or even stop, chronic abdominal pain, often caused by conditions such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or other chronic abdominal disorders, significantly improving patient comfort and well-being.
This advanced pain relief procedure is recommended when conservative treatments, such as oral medications or dietary changes, fail to provide relief. It’s particularly beneficial for conditions including:
By directly targeting the nerve group transmitting pain signals from your abdomen, the Celiac Plexus Block can offer substantial pain relief, reduce your need for pain medication, and significantly enhance your daily functioning.
Our team at CPSS prioritizes your comfort and well-being. Here’s what you can expect:
The procedure is swift, typically requiring less than an hour, with minimal recovery time.
Mild soreness at the injection site is normal. Significant pain reduction might be immediate for some, while others may notice gradual improvements over a few days. We provide post-procedure guidelines, emphasizing personal care and recovery milestones.
We are committed to ensuring your safety and comfort. While complications are rare, potential risks include bruising, bleeding, or infection at the injection site. We discuss potential side effects and complications with you beforehand, ensuring informed decision-making.
Purpose: Designed primarily to alleviate persistent abdominal pain caused by cancer or chronic pancreatitis, often when other methods of pain control are ineffective.
Procedure Type: This is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure aimed at disrupting nerve signals to prevent pain sensation transmission from the abdomen.
Duration: Quick and precise, the procedure typically takes less than an hour from start to finish.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is used to numb the area of injection to minimize discomfort, though some patients may also receive sedation for additional comfort.
Technique: Involves the careful injection of pain-blocking medication into or around the celiac plexus of nerves, situated near the aorta, the body’s main artery. Fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance is often employed for accurate needle placement.
Medication Used: A combination of a local anesthetic (for immediate pain relief) and a neurolytic agent (for longer-lasting relief) is typically used.
Recovery Time: Most patients can leave the medical facility shortly after the procedure, though they need to arrange transportation due to sedation effects. Full recovery and a return to normal activities often occur within 24 to 48 hours.
Effectiveness: Patients may experience significant pain reduction or elimination, improving quality of life. The duration of these benefits can vary from weeks to months, depending on individual circumstances.
Repeat Injections: If successful and as symptoms dictate, the procedure may be repeated to extend the duration of pain relief.
Risks and Side Effects: As with all medical procedures, there are potential risks, though serious side effects are rare. These may include low blood pressure, soreness, or bruising at the injection site, diarrhea, and, infrequently, more serious complications like nerve damage or bleeding.
Considerations: Not suitable for everyone, patient selection is based on medical history, the nature of the pain, and overall health. It is generally reserved for those with severe pain not responding to other treatments.
Follow-Up: Post-procedure, patients are typically scheduled for a follow-up visit with their healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness and any potential side effects, and to discuss ongoing pain management strategies.