Interventional Radiology: Abdominal
Celiac Plexus Block

Celiac plexus block is a pain management procedure used to numb nerve bundles (ganglia) in the upper abdomen around the aorta in circumstances of intolerable abdominal pain. The procedure is most frequently used in those patients for whom standard pain medications or other less invasive therapies are ineffective. Such pain may result from irritation, compression or entrapment of the nerve bundles due to tumor invasion, fibrosis, or chronic inflammation in such settings as chronic pancreatitis or Crohn's disease.

Celiac plexus block procedure involves the use of CT or fluoroscopic x-ray imaging to allow for the precise placement of a needle used to administer a long acting analgesic block. Blocks typically provide temporary relief with less risk. Alcohol may also be administered, which provides therapeutic ablation (destruction) of the nerve creating long term relief, but at greater risk.