If you are on blood thinning medications such as Warfarin, Nicoumalone (Sinthrome), Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix), Ticlopidine (Ticlid), Apixaban, Rivaroxaban then please contact the Booking and Scheduling Department on 0161 778 2233.
What is a Coeliac Plexus Block?
It is an injection of alcohol (medication that inactivates the nerves) in and around the coeliac plexus.
The coeliac plexus is a collection of sympathetic nerves that controls the functions of the internal organs.
These nerves can become involved in painful conditions such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or in cancer of the internal organs (pancreas, stomach, liver, gall bladder, kidneys and ureters).
Why is the injection given?
The injection helps to control some of the pain in the abdomen or the pain radiating to the back caused by cancer or by inflammation of the internal organs.
How is the injection done?
You will be asked to attend the Day Surgery Unit.
A cannula (plastic tube) will be placed on the back of your hand. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia (medication to numb the skin). In some circumstances sedation (medication to relax) and other medications such as pain killers can be given through the cannula.
You will be asked to lie on your front. The injection is given on either side of your back 7-8 cms from the middle of your back. The correct site for the coeliac plexus block injection is checked with the help of an x-ray machine and marked on the skin on both sides.
Local anaesthetic solution is injected to numb the skin and the needle is directed to the correct place. After further confirmation of the correct site by the injection of a dye, the medication (alcohol) that acts on the sympathetic nerves is given.
What are the beneficial effects?
Blocking the sympathetic nerves can reduce the severity of pain. The pain relief may take days or weeks to take effect.
In some groups of patients the block helps by reducing the number of painkillers that are required to control the pain. The block acts as an additional method of pain control alongside your usual painkillers.
It helps to improve your quality of life, by reducing the need for stronger painkillers and thereby reducing the symptoms of feeling sick, vomiting, and constipation caused by the stronger painkillers.
What are the side effects?
As with any procedure there are risks and possible complications.
The most common side effect is some pain at the injection site on your back. You may develop a tendency to feel dizzy or faint when you stand up quickly.
This effect is expected and is due to the action of the medication on the blood pressure. The low blood pressure can easily be corrected by giving you some fluids (drip) through the plastic tube in the back of your hand.
Some patients develop diarrhoea, due to the action of the block on the nerves that control bowel functions. Occasionally you may feel a little breathless or have shoulder pain or have difficulty in passing urine.
Rare potential side effects
Very rarely nerves that are involved with movement may be affected, causing weakness or paralysis of the legs.
Bleeding, infection and injection into blood vessels and adjacent areas are other extremely rare effects, which may require specific treatments. The use of the x-ray machine greatly reduces the risk of serious complications.
Advice/precautions
- You will be required to stay in hospital overnight or for a number of hours after the block
- If you develop fainting or dizzy spells, you should be careful not to sit up or stand up quickly and walk too soon
- A follow-up appointment will be arranged so that the doctor/ nurse can review the effects of the injection
- You should carry on with your normal activities and aim to reduce your painkillers if the effect of the injection appears to have been successful
- If there are any concerns or queries please contact the pain clinic
It is very important that you inform the doctor/secretary in the pain clinic at least one week before the injection if:
- You are allergic to any medications
- You have an infection near the injection site
- You think you might be pregnant
- Caution should be exercised if you have had a recent heart attack or vaccination
- If you have been started on new blood thinning medications
Contact Details
Fairfield
Day Surgery - 0161 778 2503
Pain Secretary - 0161 778 3821
Rochdale
Day Surgery - 01706 517132/517133
Pain Secretary - 01706 517705
Date of Review: February 2024
Date of Next Review: February 2026
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