Celiac Plexus blocks are injections performed to minimize abdominal pain, commonly due to cancer or pancreatitis. The Celiac Plexus is a bundle of nerves near the aorta that carry pain information from the abdomen to the brain.

This procedure is performed in our procedure room under fluoroscopic (X-Ray) guidance using X-ray dye for confirmation of correct placement. Most people elect to receive IV sedation for comfort. The procedure is minimally invasive and involves the use of a needle to deliver the anesthetic around the bundle of nerves.  The procedure typically takes less than 10 minutes and patients experience relief almost right away.  The patient will be observed for a short time after the procedure in our recovery room.   Please  expect to spend about an hour to hour and a half in our office. How long the pain relief lasts is different for each person. For some, celiac plexus blocks can relieve pain for weeks. For others, the relief can last years. Many can return to their normal activities. The number of injections required for relief varies for each person. Some people may require a few injections to achieve long term relief.