Celiac Plexus Block

celiac plexus block is a procedure that damages the celiac nerves with the intent to ease pain. A celiac plexus block can be performed during surgery, during an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), or by using a percutaneous approach (i.e., going through the skin). In all cases, a doctor will first inject an anesthetic to numb the celiac nerves and then inject a substance to damage the nerves. The effects of the anesthetic are almost instantaneous but are not long lasting. The nerve-damaging, or neurolytic, substance is usually an alcohol or a steroid and may take up to one week to be fully effective. Celiac plexus block is an intervention used to relieve chronic cancer-related pain and has been used predominantly in individuals with pancreatic cancer.

Guideline / Expert Opinion