Celiac Plexus Block
What is Celiac Plexus Block?
A Celiac Plexus Block is an injection of local anesthetic (numbing) medication that blocks the nerves from signaling the brain, which results in relief from abdominal pain. The celiac plexus block may provide relief from chronic abdominal pain often due to cancer and pancreatitis, previous surgeries, or when other treatments have been unsuccessful. It can also be used as a diagnostic tool in determining the source of your pain. Most pain sensations from your abdomen first pass through a bundle of nerves called a plexus, which sits deep in the abdomen next to the aorta and diaphragm. The splanchnic nerves connect sensation from your spinal cord to the celiac plexus, and are found between T10 and T12 vertebral bodies.
What can I expect?
Upon arrival, you will meet with one of healthcare professionals to discuss your medical history and to ask any questions you may have about the procedure, and an IV will be placed.
You may receive an IV sedation to help you relax. During the procedure, you will lie on your stomach. A local anesthetic is applied to the skin. Your doctor then uses an X-ray to guide the placement of a very thin needle to the proper position. Once in place, a test dose of dye is used to confirm the injected medication will reach the intended area. The doctor then gradually injects the medication.
Following the procedure, you will rest in the recovery area. You may have dizziness and your blood pressure may decrease for a few hours, which is normal. Therefore, you will be monitored for about an hour after the procedure. The nurse will review your discharge instructions with you before going home. If sedated, you will need a responsible adult to accompany you. Recovery time is relatively short due to the nature of the procedure.
Temporary back pain from the needle is common, as is temporary diarrhea. Be sure to follow discharge instructions, and contact your doctor if discomfort continues or new symptoms arise.
How soon will I feel relief?
You may start feeling relief within 24 hours, though it may take a few days to feel the full effects of the procedure. The lasting effects of the treatment differs with everyone, ranging from weeks to years. Your doctor may suggest subsequent injections to continue the pain relief. If you achieved 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 celiac plexus, thus blocking the nerves for a long time. This is called a neurolytic (nerve destruction) block. Radiofrequency lesioning (heat) can be safely performed on the splanchnic nerves as an alternative.
Why choose PaloVerde Pain Specialists in Phoenix?
There are a few major reasons to choose PaloVerde Pain Specialists in Peoria for Celiac Plexus Block Treatments.
- Experienced and Qualified Providers: PaloVerde Pain Specialists have a team of board-certified pain management physicians with extensive experience performing celiac plexus blocks. This experience translates to a higher success rate and a lower complication risk.
- Minimal Invasive and Leading-Edge Methods: They pride themselves on using minimally invasive and leading-edge treatment options for celiac plexus block, which can lead to faster recovery times and less discomfort for patients.
- Custom Treatment Plans: Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and condition. This ensures that they receive the most effective treatment possible.
- Focus on Patient-Physician Relationship: They emphasize building close relationships with their patients, fostering trust and open communication, which is crucial for successful pain management.
- Comprehensive Pain Management Services: PaloVerde Pain Specialists offer a wide range of pain management services, allowing them to manage all aspects of your pain, not just celiac plexus block. This can be beneficial for patients with complex pain conditions.