Celiac Plexus Block
The celiac plexus is a bundle of nerves that are located in the upper abdomen near the pancreas. These nerves send communication from multiple organs in the abdomen, including the pancreas, gall bladder, liver, stomach and intestines. When there is severe pain from abdominal conditions such as pancreatitis or cancer, a celiac plexus nerve block injection may be recommended. At DOCS Health, we offer celiac plexus block injections for pain relief at our medical center at Los Angeles, CA.
Pancreas conditions that cause severe abdominal pain send the pain signals to the brain through the celiac plexus. These nerves are located behind the pancreas by the aorta. Tumors, pancreas inflammation and other conditions can put pressure on the celiac plexus, causing pain, or the pain can be from the pancreas. A nerve block injection can be used to numb this bundle of nerves, which can relieve severe abdominal pain. This is an outpatient procedure that is minimally-invasive, with low risk of complications.
Chronic Abdominal Pain Relief
Pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis pain are the most common reasons for a celiac plexus block injection. The procedure can block pain signals and offer relief for patients with chronic pancreatic conditions. The injection is usually performed with the patient facedown to access the upper abdomen. A sedative is usually given to relax the patient as the injection is performed. The needle is guided by ultrasound or x-ray imaging to ensure it reaches the celiac plexus. An anesthetic is delivered to the nerves, which can relieve pancreatic and abdominal pain within about a half an hour.
Celiac plexus nerve blocks can be effective for controlling severe pain, especially for those with pancreatic cancer. This can reduce the need for pain medications that can have undesirable side effects. The effects of a celiac plexus block injection can last up to six months, improving the quality of life for the patient.
If you have severe abdominal pain from pancreatic cancer or other conditions that are not well controlled with other treatments, a celiac plexus block injection may be an option. To learn more about interventional pain treatments for abdominal pain, contact our team at DOCS Health in Beverly Hills, CA, to schedule your pain consultation.