Endoscopic celiac plexus block is performed in patients with chronic abdominal pain, where the source for the pain has been located, but where standard treatment has not fully controlled the pain. This procedure is used for patients who do not respond to conventional therapy, most commonly patients with chronic pancreatitis.

The celiac plexus block is a group of nerve fibers coming from the pancreas, stomach, liver, and part of the bowels. It is located in the center of the abdomen, underneath the diaphragm. In this procedure, we inject these nerve fibers with a numbing medicine to interrupt the nerve fibers, and decrease the feeling of pain.

The entire procedure takes about 15-20 minutes. After the procedure, you will have immediate relief of pain, though you may have low blood pressure. You will get intravenous fluids and be monitored in the recovery room until your blood pressure is back to normal. This will usually take between two and four hours. You might experience some diarrhea or softer stool. This will return to normal within a couple of days or a week.

For questions or concerns, our staff and nurses are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They can be reached at (206) 223-2319.