Mocek Spinal Clinic is happy to offer celiac plexus block as a pain management option to clients with chronic abdominal pain from cancer. 

The procedure

A Celiac plexus block is an injection into the celiac plexus, which is a bundle of nerves in the upper abdomen. This injection is a nerve block that prevents the celiac plexus from sending pain signals to the brain. 

 

Celiac plexus is an outpatient procedure. Depending on your medical team, the procedure may look different, but it’ll typically start with a sedative to help you relax. You will then lie on your stomach while your medical team sterilizes the area with an antiseptic. You will then receive a local anesthetic to numb the area where you’ll get the injection.

 

Once you are numb, your doctor will inject a contrast dye into your abdominal area to help them ensure the injection goes to the right place. They will then provide the celiac plexus block injection. This entire procedure typically takes about an hour from prep to final injection. 

Potential side effects

Some patients experience bruising or swelling around the injection site. Patients may also experience diarrhea, blood pressure drops, or muscle spasms. In more serious and rare cases, individuals may get an infection at the treatment site, decreased blood flow to the spinal cord, kidney damage, or nerve damage. 

The recovery

Since celiac plexus block is an outpatient procedure, patients can go home within minutes of the procedure. However, they are asked to limit their physical activity for up to 48 hours after the procedure. 

 

Since this procedure is primarily for people with cancer, it’s important to talk to your cancer treatment team about when it’s safe to return to chemotherapy. Some people can receive chemo the same day, while others may have to wait. 

Am I a Candidate for Celiac Plexus Block?

Celiac plexus block is a procedure typically offered to patients with chronic abdominal pain from pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis who are not receiving relief from other pain management options such as medications. Doctors will also consider other factors, such as the patient's overall health and potential for side effects. 

 

If you think you may be a good candidate for celiac plexus block, that is you should discuss it with your doctor or pain management team. 

Celiac Plexus Block at Mocek Spinal Clinic

Mocek Spinal Clinic offers celiac plexus block for patients with upper abdominal cancer pain. To learn more about this procedure or other pain management options, please schedule an appointment online or contact our office with any questions.