Splanchnic Nerve Block
A splanchnic nerve block is an injection treatment used to relieve abdominal and upper abdominal pain, particularly pain caused by the nerves that carry signals from internal organs to the spinal cord.
The splanchnic nerves are located in the middle of the back, near the thoracic spine, and they transmit pain signals from organs such as the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, stomach, intestines, and adrenal glands.
This minimally invasive procedure is performed by our specialist using a steroid and anti-inflammatory mixture injected into or around your Splanchnic nerve to reduce upper abdominal pain, commonly due to cancer or chronic pancreatitis, and is performed under fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance.
Who Benefits from a Splanchnic Nerve Block
You may be a candidate for a splanchnic nerve block if you have:
- Chronic upper abdominal pain not well controlled by other treatments
- Pain related to pancreatic cancer or other cancers in the upper abdomen
- Chronic pancreatitis pain
- Pain after abdominal surgery when conventional therapies are ineffective
- Abdominal pain that worsens with eating or activity and significantly impacts daily life
What to Expect
- Preparation: You may be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure and to arrange a ride home.
- Positioning: You’ll usually lie face down on a procedure table.
- Imaging Guidance: Fluoroscopy (X-ray) or CT scan is often used to precisely guide the needle.
- Local Anesthetic: The skin over the injection site is cleaned and numbed.
- Injection: A thin needle is inserted near the splanchnic nerves, and medication is injected.
- Duration: The procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes.
- Outpatient: Patients go home the same day.
After the Procedure
- Your abdomen may feel numb or “different,” but this feeling will subside when the anesthetic wears off.
- Immediate Relief: Some patients feel pain relief right away due to the local anesthetic.
- Temporary Effects: The numbing effect may last for several hours, with long-term relief developing if steroids or neurolytic agents are used.
- Possible Side Effects: Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site, temporary low blood pressure, or diarrhea (because abdominal nerves affect digestion).
Recovery and Aftercare
- Activity: Most patients can return to normal activities the next day, but rest is recommended for the remainder of the procedure day.
- Monitoring: Keep track of how much pain relief you experience and how long it lasts, as this helps guide future treatments.
- Repeat Treatments: If the block is successful, repeat injections or longer-lasting nerve ablation techniques may be considered.
- Follow-up Care: This treatment is often part of a larger pain management plan, which may include medications, physical therapy, or other nerve blocks.
Risks and Considerations
A splanchnic nerve block is generally safe, but possible risks include:
- Temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site
- Low blood pressure
- Diarrhea or digestive changes
- Allergic reaction to the medication