celiac plexus block

A type of nerve block, a pain relief treatment delivered by injection, that prevents celiac plexus nerves from sending pain messages to the brain.

Celiac plexus is part of the nervous system, bundle of nerves in the upper abdomen, that sits behind the pancreas close to the aorta.
It sends signals to the central nervous system (CNS) from digestive system organs, such as the gallbladder, intestines, liver, pancreas, and stomach.

It alleviates severe upper abdominal pain or back pain caused by pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. Cancerous tumors can put pressure on the celiac plexus, causing pain.
The patients are typically prescribed strong pain relievers to manage the pain. The side effects may include nausea, constipation, and confusion. A celiac plexus block can reduce the medication dose or amount.
And, even with the medicine, many patients still have pain like breakthrough pain (periods of intense pain). A celiac plexus block can decrease the frequency.

(Aims)
• relieve pain
• during surgery
• during an endoscopic ultrasound

(Types)
• celiac plexus block: Injection of steroids or an anesthetic into the nerves, providing with temporary pain relief. It may last 3-6 months, if pain returns, another injection. Recommended for the treatment of pancreatitis.
• neurolytic celiac plexus block (neurolysis): Injection of an alcohol substance, such as ethanol or phenol, into the celiac plexus, that permanently damages the nerves. It may last for a long time, generally no need another injection. Recommended for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

(Side effects)
• bruising, swelling, or soreness
• infection at the treatment site
• diarrhea
• hypotension
• muscle cramps (muscle spasms)

(Complications)
• allergic reaction to the anesthesia or contrast dye
• gastroparesis (delayed emptying of stomach contents)
• kidney damage or other organ damage.
• nerve damage
• decreased blood flow to the spinal cord.
• paralysis due to a spinal cord injury
• seizures