Celiac Plexus Block
A Celiac Plexus Block is a minimally invasive procedure used to manage chronic abdominal pain, typically associated with conditions like pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, or other severe abdominal pain syndromes. The celiac plexus is a bundle of nerves located in the upper abdomen near the aorta, responsible for transmitting pain signals from the abdominal organs, including the pancreas, liver, intestines, and stomach, to the brain. By injecting a local anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid or neurolytic agent near the celiac plexus, this procedure effectively blocks these pain signals, providing significant relief.
Celiac Plexus Block can be utilized as a treatment for:
-Abdominal Pain (Cancer, Pancreatitis)
Celiac Plexus Block
This procedure temporarily disrupts the nerves of the celiac plexus. These nerves branch away from your spine. They connect to the organs in your abdomen. Pain signals caused by conditions such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer travel through these nerves on the way to your brain. A celiac plexus block can relieve your pain.
What to Expect for the Treatment?
The Celiac Plexus Block is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and often with sedation to help the patient remain comfortable. The patient is typically positioned face down on the examination table. Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) or CT imaging for guidance, the doctor inserts a fine needle into the upper back or side, near the spine, to reach the celiac plexus.
Once the needle is in the correct position, the doctor injects a contrast dye to confirm the location. After verifying the needle placement, the doctor administers the anesthetic and other medications. The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes, and patients may feel immediate relief, though full results may take a few days to develop.
Recovery and post-treatment care
Most patients are monitored for a short period after the procedure to ensure there are no adverse reactions. It’s common to experience temporary numbness or soreness at the injection site. Patients are advised to take it easy for the rest of the day and avoid strenuous activities for 24-48 hours.
Pain relief from the Celiac Plexus Block can last from several weeks to months, depending on the underlying condition and the patient’s response to the treatment. Some patients may need additional blocks to maintain pain relief over time.
Benefits of the Celiac Plexus Block
Effective pain relief: This procedure significantly reduces pain levels in patients with chronic abdominal pain, especially those suffering from cancer or pancreatitis.
Improved quality of life: By managing severe pain, patients can return to daily activities and reduce their dependence on opioid medications.
Minimally invasive: The block is a relatively simple, outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time.
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