Celiac Plexus Neurolysis for Abdominal Pain

Celiac Plexus Neurolysis A Powerful Solution for Abdominal Pain Relief

Introduction to Celiac Plexus Neurolysis

Chronic abdominal pain, often stemming from conditions like cancer of abdominal organs or chronic pancreatitis, can be debilitating. For patients suffering from unrelenting abdominal pain, Celiac Plexus Neurolysis (CPN) offers a powerful solution.

At Mitigate Pain Clinic, specializing in interventional pain management, we provide state-of-the-art treatments, including Celiac Plexus Neurolysis, to help patients regain control of their lives.

What is the Celiac Plexus?

The celiac plexus is a complex network of nerves located in the upper abdomen. These nerves play a vital role in transmitting pain signals to the brain from the abdominal organs, including the stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines and kidneys. When these nerves are overstimulated due to chronic conditions, they can cause severe abdominal pain. Pain signals can get interrupted by neurolysis of celiac plexus which provides significant pain relief.

Understanding Celiac Plexus Neurolysis

Celiac Plexus Neurolysis is a minimally invasive procedure requiring only needle prick and designed to disrupt the nerves responsible for transmitting pain from the abdominal region. This is achieved by injecting medical grade alcohol or phenol directly into the celiac plexus, effectively blocking the painful signals and providing long-term pain relief.

Conditions Treated by Celiac Plexus Neurolysis

Celiac Plexus Neurolysis is highly effective for managing pain related to:

Pancreatic cancer: This is one of the most common reasons for celiac plexus neurolysis, as pancreatic cancer often causes intense abdominal pain.
Pancreatitis: Patients suffering from pancreatitis can experience severe and persistent pain, which may not be adequately managed by medications alone.
Gastrointestinal cancer: Celiac Plexus Neurolysis can help reduce pain associated with gastrointestinal cancer.
Abdominal tumors: Other abdominal tumors affecting organs like the liver and kidney can cause pain that Celiac Plexus Neurolysis helps alleviate.
Abdominal pain from other non-cancerous conditions that have not responded to traditional pain treatments.

At Mitigate Pain Clinic, our interventional pain specialist assesses each patient thoroughly to determine if Celiac Plexus Neurolysis is the right choice based on their unique condition and pain severity.

How Celiac Plexus Neurolysis Works

Celiac Plexus Neurolysis works by using a chemical agent to destroy a portion of the nerve fibers that transmit pain signals from the abdomen. The goal is to reduce or eliminate the patient’s sensation of pain in that region.

A pain specialist, often using imaging guidance such as CT or fluoroscopy, carefully injects the neurolytic substance into the area surrounding the celiac plexus. This blocks the nerves responsible for transmitting pain, often providing immediate relief that can last for months.

The Procedure: What to Expect

The Celiac Plexus Neurolysis procedure is relatively simple and typically performed on a day-care basis. Here’s what to expect:

Preparation: The patient is positioned lying with face down and local anesthesia is applied to numb the area where the needle will be inserted.
Imaging Guidance: To ensure precision, a pain specialist uses CT scans or X-ray (fluoroscopy) to locate the celiac plexus.
Injection: A needle is inserted through the back into the abdominal region and the neurolytic agent is injected around the celiac plexus.
Post-Procedure Monitoring: Patients are monitored for a short period after the procedure to ensure there are no immediate side effects.

Risks and Side Effects of Celiac Plexus Neurolysis

While Celiac Plexus Neurolysis is generally safe, it does carry some risks, including:

Temporary low blood pressure
Diarrhea or nausea
Pain at the injection site
Rarely, nerve damage or internal bleeding

At Mitigate Pain Clinic, our experienced team takes every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure the procedure is both safe and effective.

Benefits of Celiac Plexus Neurolysis at Mitigate Pain Clinic

Expertise in Pain Management
Comprehensive Evaluation
Personalized Care
Targeted Treatment Approach
Advanced Technology

Recovery After Celiac Plexus Neurolysis

Recovery from Celiac Plexus Neurolysis is generally quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within a day or two. Some patients may experience mild soreness at the injection site or temporary changes in bowel habits, but these effects typically resolve within a few days.

The pain relief provided by Celiac Plexus Neurolysis can last for several months, depending on the individual and the condition being treated. For many, this offers a significant improvement in quality of life.

Conclusion

Celiac Plexus Neurolysis offers a proven method for managing abdominal pain, especially for patients suffering from conditions like pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis. By providing long-lasting pain relief, Celiac Plexus Neurolysis can significantly enhance the quality of life for those struggling with severe abdominal pain.

At Mitigate Pain Clinic, we ensure that every patient receives personalized, compassionate care throughout the entire process. If you’re considering Celiac Plexus Neurolysis, contact the Mitigate Pain Clinic today to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pain relief can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the individual and the underlying condition. Some patients may require repeat treatments for ongoing relief.

The procedure itself is not painful, as local anesthesia is used. Patients may feel some discomfort during the injection, but the procedure is generally well tolerated.

Many patients report feeling relief within hours to a few days following the procedure. However, the time frame can vary depending on the individual.

Yes, alternative treatments include pain medications or other interventional pain management techniques such as splanchnic nerve radiofrequency ablation. Your doctor will discuss all available options.

Yes, Celiac Plexus Neurolysis can be repeated if pain returns after the initial effects wear off. Your doctor will recommend the best course of action based on your condition.

Yes, Celiac Plexus Neurolysis is commonly used to manage cancer-related pain, particularly in patients with pancreatic or abdominal cancers. It is considered a safe and effective method for reducing pain.