Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is the Celiac Plexus?PurposeRisksHow to PrepareDay of the ProcedureDuring the ProcedureRecovery
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is the Celiac Plexus?
Purpose
Risks
How to Prepare
Day of the Procedure
During the Procedure
Recovery
A celiacplexusblock, sometimes referred to as a celiac nerve block, is a procedure used in the treatment of abdominal pain that has been unresponsive to other treatments.
Learn about the procedure, why it’s used, possible risks, how to prepare, and the recovery time.
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The celiacplexusis a cluster ofnerveslocated in the upper abdomen. The celiac plexus is located behind thepancreas, near the body’s largest blood vessel, theaorta.
As part of the nervous system, the nerves in the celiac plexus send messages to the brain from the digestive organs in the body.
These organs include:
In certain medical conditions, such aspancreatic cancer, a celiac plexus block may be used to manage severeabdominal painthat is not responsive to other treatments, includingopioids.
A celiac plexus block is a medical procedure that uses an injection of medication to stop the celiac plexus nerves from sending pain signals to these organs. This in turn can help reduce pain.
When Should I See a Healthcare Provider for Abdominal Pain
Purpose of a Celiac Plexus Block
A celiac plexus block may be used in people who have severe recurrent abdominal pain that is unresponsive to other treatments.
It may be used to treat pain in a variety of conditions including:
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Possible Risks
As in any medical procedure, a celiac plexus block carries some risk. Complications with a celiac plexus block are uncommon, but may include:
How to Prepare For a Celiac Plexus Block
A celiac plexus block is generally an outpatient medical procedure that is performed in a doctor’s office or hospital.
In the lead-up to your procedure, your healthcare provider will take a full health history and ask you to follow some instructions to prepare. These steps may include the following.
Review Medication Changes
It is possible you will be asked to stop taking certain medications before your procedure. If you’re unsure about what medications you can and can’t take in the lead-up to your procedure, speak with your healthcare provider.
Some medications that you may be asked to stop taking in the days leading up to your celiac plexus block may includeblood thinners, pain medications, anddiuretics(water pills). However, do not stop taking any medications unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
If you take medication fordiabetes, your healthcare provider will tell you what you should do the day of your procedure. It’s possible you will need to change your insulin dose.
Get a Blood Test
In the days before your procedure, your healthcare provider will arrange for you to have ablood testto check yourblood platelet count. These are cells that help your blood clot.
Arrange for someone to pick you up
Before your procedure, you must arrange for a responsible adult to collect you and take you home once the procedure is over.
It is best to arrange this ahead of time and not on the day of your procedure.
What to Expect the Day of the Procedure
You may be asked to abstain from eating and drinking after midnight on the night before your procedure. Be sure to follow any fasting instructions you’re given.
The morning of your procedure, take only the medications your healthcare provider has approved of, and leave all valuables at home.
There are certain items you shouldn’t wear to your procedure. These include:
When you’re ready for your celiac plexus block a number of things will happen:
Immediately following the procedure, you may experience a number of symptoms. These include:
You will be monitored in the recovery room before being discharged to go home.
At Home
Once at home, you may continue to experience some symptoms for a few days. These include:
You can take pain medication following your procedure under the direction of your healthcare provider. You can also remove the band-aid from your back either the night of or the morning after your procedure.
The day after your procedure, you can have a shower. However, following the procedure, you should not:
Some people will experience pain relief quickly and the relief will last for years. Other people may only have relief from pain for a few weeks. The results vary among people.
Summary
A celiac plexus block is a form of pain treatment that may be used in those with severe, recurrent abdominal pain that has been unresponsive to other treatments. It may be especially helpful for those with pancreatic cancer or other underlying conditions. The procedure carries some risks, though complications are uncommon. How long pain relief lasts will vary among patients.
A Word From Verywell
Learning about medical procedures—including something like the celiac plexus block—can be daunting, but your healthcare team is there to answer any questions you may have. If you have concerns about an upcoming medical procedure, or any aspect of your health, reach out to your healthcare provider, family and friends for support.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Stanford Health Care.What Is Celiac Nerve Block?Cleveland Clinic.Celiac Plexus Block.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About Your Celiac Plexus Block Procedure.Stanford Health Care.Conditions Treated - Celiac Nerve Block.Stanford Health Care.Complications - Celiac Nerve Block.Stanford Health Care.Procedure - Celiac Nerve Block.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Stanford Health Care.What Is Celiac Nerve Block?Cleveland Clinic.Celiac Plexus Block.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About Your Celiac Plexus Block Procedure.Stanford Health Care.Conditions Treated - Celiac Nerve Block.Stanford Health Care.Complications - Celiac Nerve Block.Stanford Health Care.Procedure - Celiac Nerve Block.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Stanford Health Care.What Is Celiac Nerve Block?Cleveland Clinic.Celiac Plexus Block.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About Your Celiac Plexus Block Procedure.Stanford Health Care.Conditions Treated - Celiac Nerve Block.Stanford Health Care.Complications - Celiac Nerve Block.Stanford Health Care.Procedure - Celiac Nerve Block.
Stanford Health Care.What Is Celiac Nerve Block?
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About Your Celiac Plexus Block Procedure.
Stanford Health Care.Conditions Treated - Celiac Nerve Block.
Stanford Health Care.Complications - Celiac Nerve Block.
Stanford Health Care.Procedure - Celiac Nerve Block.
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