30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”
- A celiac plexus block is a minimally invasive procedure commonly used to diagnose and reduce abdominal pain from cancer or pancreatitis
- Much like other injections, a celiac plexus block is used to block nerves in and around the abdomen.
- The leaders in Utah pain management at Southwest Spine and Pain Center explain what to expect before, during and after a celiac plexus block.
Pancreatic cancer can cause serve pain to those it effects, and according to researchers at the San Raffaele Institute in Italy, a celiac plexus block causes fewer adverse effects than most opioids for these patients. The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center provide celiac plexus blocks for patients under theses circumstances because they are minimally invasive and may provide significant pain relief.
If you are a candidate for a celiac plexus block and decide to undergo the procedure, there are a few things you need to know about the process. The leaders in Utah pain management at Southwest Spine and Pain Center share what you can expect before, during and after a celiac plexus block.
Before
Prior to undergoing a celiac plexus block, patients will receive a clinical evaluation and the physician will review family history, allergic reactions, etc. to determine if they are a candidate for the procedure. Afterward, your Southwest Spine and Pain Center physician will discuss risks, possible complications and side effects, as well as what to expect during and after the procedure.
During
An IV may be administered to sedate the patient and minimize discomfort during the procedure. Patients will be on their stomach during the procedure. Skin surrounding the treatment area will be cleansed, sanitized and numbed with a local anesthetic. The physician will then insert a needle through the skin into the celiac plexus nerves while using an x-ray or CT scan. This, in addition to a contrast dye, helps determine location accuracy. Once the correct location has been identified, the anesthetic medicine will be injected. The needle is then removed and the patient should feel immediate pain relief.
After
Numbness or weakness in the abdominal wall or leg may be apparent directly after the injection. Moreover, patients have reported feeling warmth around the abdomen. You should be able to the return to work or continue mild to moderate activities following the procedure. You may require a series of injections to manage severe abdominal pain. Talk to the specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center about undergoing a celiac plexus block for chronic abdominal pain.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With five locations in Utah and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.