Abdominal illnesses such as chronic pancreatitis or different forms of cancer (such as pancreatic cancer) can often lead to chronic pain in this region which can impact the way you live your daily life. The celiac plexus is a bundle of nerves responsible for supplying the abdominal region with blood and circulation from the heart. By blocking these nerves, you will block the delivery of pain sensations from this area. In this procedure, the physician will use X-ray-guided fluoroscopy to determine the precise location of the celiac plexus and will then inject a local anesthetic to provide long-term pain relief. In some cases, an anti-inflammatory steroid medication may be delivered as well. For cancer patients, we can do a chemical neurolytic procedure where we deaden the nerves for a period of six to eighteen months using alcohol or phenol.
Dr. DeCaria is a double-board certified physician in anesthesiology and pain management medicine with extensive training and experience in treating chronic pain.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. DeCaria of Revitalize Medical Center in Glenview and Evanston, IL, to take the first step towards a long-term solution for your chronic pain!