A celiac plexus block relieves severe abdominal pain caused by pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis. It’s a type of nerve block that stops a bundle of nerves in your abdomen from sending pain signals to your brain. Some medications used during a celiac plexus block provide temporary pain relief, while others offer long-term relief.
A celiac plexus block is a pain relief injection into a bundle of nerves, called the celiac plexus, in your upper abdomen. The treatment prevents these nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. It’s a type of nerve block.
Healthcare providers use celiac plexus blocks to treat conditions that can cause severe abdominal pain. You may need only one injection or several to manage pain.
The celiac plexus is a group of nerves in your upper abdomen. It sits behind your pancreas and is close to your aorta (your largest blood vessel). It’s part of your nervous system.
Celiac plexus nerves send signals (communicate) to your brain and spinal cord from digestive system organs, including your:
It can be painful when something presses against these nerves.
Healthcare providers use a celiac plexus block to ease chronic and severe abdominal pain caused by the following:
Most people have significant abdominal pain at the time they receive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Healthcare providers typically prescribe strong pain medicines to manage this pain. But these medications can cause uncomfortable side effects like confusion, constipation and nausea. Even with medicine, you may still have pain. A celiac plexus block might help in these situations.
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Your healthcare provider will give you instructions to follow before a celiac plexus block. Your instructions may include:
During a celiac plexus block, your provider will:
The entire celiac plexus block procedure usually takes about an hour. The actual injection is only a few minutes. You’ll need to get prepped before the injection and wait under observation for at least 30 minutes afterward. Your procedure time may be longer depending on the technique your provider used.
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After a celiac plexus block, you may start feeling pain relief within 30 minutes. Your provider will have you wait at the treatment center under observation for at least 30 minutes to monitor you for complications. Within an hour or so, you’ll be able to go home. You’ll need to have someone drive you home.
The benefits of a celiac plexus block include:
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A celiac plexus block rarely causes complications, but side effects are possible. They may include:
While rare, serious complications may include:
Your provider will go over these possible side effects with you before the procedure so you’re informed about them and can make a decision about your care.
You should be able to go back to your regular activities within 24 to 48 hours after a celiac plexus block. You shouldn’t drive or do any strenuous exercise or lifting for the first 24 hours. You can also resume eating and drinking regularly after the procedure.
If you stop taking medications before treatment, your provider will let you know when it’s safe to start taking those again. It’s usually OK after the procedure.
The length of time you’ll feel pain relief after a celiac plexus block varies from person to person. Your provider will let you know what you can expect based on the type of medication they inject into your celiac plexus. For example, many providers inject a combination of an anesthetic and a steroid medication during a block. This may provide three to six months of pain relief. You may need another treatment in the future.
For longer-term relief, your provider may perform a neurolytic celiac plexus block. This technique destroys part of the nerves that send pain signals to your brain. You generally won’t need another treatment if you undergo a neurolytic block.
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience the following after a celiac plexus block:
Pain can dampen your quality of life. You may not feel well enough to get out of bed or spend time with your loved ones. Taking pain medications may also prevent you from feeling your best due to side effects like dizziness and nausea. If pain keeps you from enjoying each day, contact your care team about trying new pain management options, like a celiac plexus block.
You might be nervous to undergo this procedure, especially if you’re not a fan of needles, but you won’t feel any pain as it happens. Your care team will be with you to answer any questions and let you know what you can expect from a celiac plexus block. Don’t hesitate to contact your provider if you notice any side effects after the injection.
Last reviewed on 07/22/2024.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy