Celiac Plexus Block Procedure

A celiac plexus block procedure is performed to diagnose and reduce abdominal pain caused by pancreatitis, chronic abdominal pain, and pancreatic cancer.  An injection is used to block the nerves serving the abdomen.

After numbing the skin of the back with a local anesthetic, the physician slides one or two needles through the body to the celiac plexus nerves.  The physician uses X-ray guidance to position the needles correctly.  Before injecting medication, the physician injects a dye solution to confirm that the needles are correctly positioned.

Anesthetic medication is injected around the nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain.  The initial injection may be a test injection which can last anywhere from 1 day to several weeks.  If pain relief follows, a more permanent injection may be administered that can last several months or longer.