What is this procedure?
The celiac plexus is a nerve network deep in the abdomen, near the pancreas and major blood vessels.
When might it be considered?
Selected upper abdominal pain associated with conditions such as chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. Your physician will determine whether this approach is appropriate and discuss alternatives, including non-procedural care.
What to expect
Imaging guides treatment of the nerve network. The medicine and approach depend on the purpose of the procedure. Your clinician reviews your history, medications, allergies, and any relevant tests. The team explains the procedure and obtains your consent. Positioning, skin preparation, local numbing, and imaging guidance may be part of the visit, depending on the procedure.
Tell your care team about pregnancy, infection, medication allergies, or blood-thinning medicines. Do not stop or change medicines without instructions from the clinician managing them.
Potential benefits
Some patients experience reduced pain or reduced need for pain medication, under medical supervision. Benefit and duration vary; some patients experience little or no improvement. An injection is one possible part of a broader care plan.
Possible risks & side effects
Diarrhea, low blood pressure and soreness can occur. Uncommon serious risks include bleeding, infection, organ damage and neurological injury.
This is not a complete list of risks. Your physician should explain the options, limitations, and consent information specific to your planned procedure.
Recovery & follow-up
Monitoring is important because blood pressure may fall. Arrange transportation and follow the team's recovery instructions. Observation and activity instructions depend on the procedure, medication, and your response. Ask whether you need a driver and when you can return to usual activities. Follow your own discharge instructions rather than a general online timeline.
Contact your care team about unexpected or worsening symptoms. Seek urgent medical help for severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or new significant weakness.
Common questions
Is a block the same as neurolysis?
No. A temporary anesthetic block differs from a procedure intended to disrupt nerves for longer relief. Ask which technique is proposed.
Will this procedure relieve my pain?
It may help selected patients, but improvement is not guaranteed. Your physician will discuss realistic goals based on the suspected source of your pain.
Will I need more than one injection?
The need for further treatment depends on your response, the diagnosis, and safety considerations. There is no automatic course of injections that suits everyone.
How should I prepare?
Ask the team for your specific instructions, including medicines, food and drink, transportation, and what to bring. Do not change your medicines based on this page.
Is this available at Columbia Pain Management?
Contact the office to discuss eligibility and scheduling. Your physician will assess whether a procedure is appropriate for you.
Patient education reference: my.clevelandclinic.org — patient education.