Celiac Plexus Blocks
A celiac plexus block is an injection performed to relieve severe abdominal pain by blocking signals from the celiac plexus, a nerve bundle that supplies organs in the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, adrenal glands and other organs around the midsection. The injection contains a local anesthetic or concentrated alcohol to produce immediate pain relief, as well as a medication such as a corticosteroid to provide longer-term respite from pain. Pain remedied by a celiac plexus block may be caused by conditions such as chronic pancreatis and cancer in other organs of the abdomen.
The Celiac Plexus Block Procedure
Recovery From A Celiac Plexus Block
Risks From A Celiac Plexus Block
A celiac plexus block is relatively safe for most patients, but there may be soreness or bruising at the injection site. Low blood pressure or diarrhea may also occur. More serious complications, although uncommon, may include:
- Nerve damage
- Bleeding
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Infection
- Bloody urine
The patient’s abdominal wall or leg may feel weak or numb, but that feeling typically disappears in a day or two.