Coeliac Plexus Block - Melbourne Pain Group

Coeliac Plexus Block overview

Targeting upper abdominal pain

The coeliac plexus is the name given to a network of a number of nerves located in the upper abdomen. These nerves are ‘sympathetic nerves’, that is they control autonomous functions of the body – the nerves in the coeliac plexus are involved in the control of a number of organs, including the liver, stomach and pancreas. The coeliac plexus is more commonly known as the ‘solar plexus’.

A coeliac plexus block is a procedure to treat pain arising from certain organs in the upper abdomen. It is usually but not always reserved for pain associated with cancer.

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Coeliac plexus block indications and preparation

Preparing for your coeliac plexus block

A coeliac plexus block may be recommended for malignant pain affecting the upper abdomen.

Please let us know ahead of the procedure if:

You are taking any antibiotics.
You are diabetic.
You have a pacemaker or defibrillator.
You are ill, in which case we may need to postpone the procedure.

You should also:

Avoid undergoing any other medical procedures, such as dental treatment or a colonoscopy, within 48 hours before or after a coeliac plexus block.
Not drive yourself to or from the appointment, and you should not drive in the 24-hour period immediately after the procedure.
Not have anything to eat or drink in the 6 hours prior to the procedure. You may take any normal medication on the morning of the procedure with a small sip of water.
Not smoke at all on the day of the procedure.
Stop taking all blood thinning medication before the procedure. You may still take aspirin.

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Coeliac plexus block procedure

What to expect during and after the procedure

The procedure is performed under anaesthetic and image guidance, followed by a period of observation and short-term recovery instructions.

1. Anaesthetic preparation

An IV line is placed in your arm or hand to administer anaesthetic. You will be unconscious for the procedure.

2. Positioning

You will lie face down on a theatre table with a pillow placed under the abdomen.

3. Needle placement

The injection site is cleaned and numbed before a thin needle is guided into position using mobile X-ray imaging.

4. Coeliac plexus injection

Alcohol or phenol, or rarely local anaesthetic, is injected around the coeliac plexus.

5. Observation

You will remain under observation for around one hour before going home. You should not drive yourself to or from the appointment.

After your coeliac plexus block

Recovery and follow-up after the procedure

It is recommended that you take 48 hours off before returning to normal activities (including work). We will contact you within a day or two to check up on you and arrange a follow up appointment. You will be asked to complete a 24-hour pain diary.

In some cases, patients may experience diarrhoea for up to two weeks after the procedure.

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Cervical medial branch block risks

Possible complications to be aware of

A coeliac plexus block procedure is usually a low-risk procedure – however all medical treatment comes with some level of risk. Possible complications may include: