Celiac Plexus Alcoholization (Neurolysis)

Alcohol injection into the celiac plexus to destroy nerves transmitting pancreatic/upper GI pain.

Digestive and Gastrointestinal

Celiac Plexus Alcoholization (Neurolysis)

Synonyms : celiac alcohol ablation, celiac plexus block, celiac plexus neurolysis

Background

Severe abdominal pain from pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis, refractory to analgesics.

Procedure

Under CT guidance, two needles positioned around celiac plexus (anterior to aorta). Concentrated ethanol injected. Duration: 30-45 minutes.

Risks

Transient orthostatic hypotension (common), transient diarrhea, back pain, paraplegia (exceptional).

Recovery

A few hours BP monitoring. Analgesic effect usually within 24-48 hours.

Practical information

Local anesthesia. Outpatient procedure (return home the same day).