Coeliac plexus / splanchnic nerve blocks: The Kent Centre for Pain Medicine and Neuromodulation
Information for patients
Some types of abdominal pain can be difficult, so your chronic pain consultant may offer you a nerve block. This is a way of numbing a nerve to stop you feeling pain in that area of your body. This leaflet will explain the following.
How a nerve block may help your pain.
What a coeliac plexus block is.
What a splanchnic nerve block is.
What the possible risks and alternatives are.
What happens during and after the procedure.
We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to your GP or other relevant healthcare professional.
How will a nerve block help?
A nerve block is one way of treating pain. It is not a cure, but it may reduce your pain temporarily.
What is a coeliac plexus block?
The coeliac plexus is a complicated network of nerves at the back of the abdomen. A coeliac plexus block is a medical procedure where a combination of local anaesthetic and steroids are injected around these nerves. The block can be used to help treat pain arising from the pancreas and the surrounding area.
What is a splanchnic nerve block?
The splanchnic nerves are found on both sides of your spine. They go from the spinal cord in the chest to the bowel. They carry pain information to your brain from organs in your abdomen. A splanchnic nerve block can help you stop feeling abdominal pain.
If you benefit from the splanchnic nerve block but only for a short time, you may be offered a different procedure called splanchnic nerve denervation. This is very similar to a splanchnic nerve block. However, for this procedure your consultant will pass a small electric current through a needle to make sure that it is in the right place. The needle tip is gently heated up for a short time. The nerve fibres supplying the painful area are selectively destroyed by the heat, which could give you longer pain relief.
Are there any alternatives to this procedure?
A coeliac plexus block or a splanchnic nerve block is an invasive procedure, so we would consider other options first. Various medications and non-medical treatments can help abdominal pain. We would recommend that you try these first.
Will I have to stay in hospital?
These procedures are usually carried out as day cases (you can go home on the same day). However, you will need to stay in Day Surgery for a few hours after your injection. Very occasionally, we advise patients to stay overnight in hospital.
What will happen during my procedure?
The procedure is carried out in a Day Surgery theatre. This will minimise your risk of infection.
Shortly before your procedure, we will ask you to change into a theatre gown. The doctor will mark the injection site on your back.
The procedure
The procedure is carried out under x-ray or ultrasound guidance. This allows the doctor to see the specific area to be treated. It is important that you tell your consultant if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant, as x-rays may harm your baby.
We will ask you to lie down on your front. Once you are lying in the correct position, the doctor will prepare the area to be treated with an antiseptic solution. The solution may feel cold.
The doctor will insert a cannula in to the vein in the back of your hand. To make you sleepy, the doctor will give you sedation through the cannula.
A local anaesthetic is injected at the site of the procedure. This may sting to start with, before your skin goes numb.
Using x-rays, a CT, or ultrasound, the doctor will insert one or more needles (usually two).
The doctor injects a mixture of steroid and local anaesthetic.
After the procedure, a small dressing will cover the injection sites. Please remove the dressing after 24 hours. Do not worry if the dressing falls off sooner.
Will it hurt?
Sedation is not the same as anaesthesia, so you may be aware of some parts of your procedure. If you are uncomfortable, please tell your doctor. More sedation and pain relief can be given.
What are the possible side effects?
There may be some pain and bruising at the needle site.
You may feel a little unsteady when you first stand.
The injections may make your pain worse. This should stop within a few days.
There is a small risk of infection at the site of the injections.
You may have some leg weakness or numbness, which should stop after a few hours.
In the first few hours after your injection your blood pressure may be low. If this happens, you will be asked to lie flat and given fluids in to a vein in your arm. The nursing team will keep a close eye on this.
You may have loose stools (poo) or even diarrhoea after your procedure. This does not usually last long, and may not happen for a day or two. It is quite normal and shows your gut is getting back to normal.
People with diabetes may have raised blood sugar for a short while, due to the steroid injection.
On rare occasions, some women temporarily have irregular periods.
Nerve injury is rare but possible. If you have any worries, please speak to your GP or phone the Pain Clinic.
There is a possible risk of pneumothorax. If you feel breathless or have problems breathing following your injection, get medical help immediately.
If you feel unwell, very tired, or dizzy when you stand up, contact your GP. If you feel new severe abdominal pain, phone your doctor immediately or go to your nearest Emergency Department.
What will happen after my injections?
You will be taken to the recovery area. You can go home a few hours after your injection.
Your back may be sore for a few hours or even days. This is simple bruising and will settle. Take painkillers if you need to, as recommended by your doctor. Painkillers can include paracetamol, ibuprofen, or codeine. Warmth might also help.
You may notice an immediate improvement, but improvement can be delayed for as long as 2 weeks. Steroids work slowly, so even if the injections have worked well you may not notice an improvement immediately.
During this time, carry on taking your normal painkillers. You may be able to reduce them as the injections begin to work.
Can I drive straightaway?
You must not drive for 24 hours following your procedure. Please arrange for someone to drive you home from hospital.
It is strongly recommended that you have someone stay at home with you until the following day.
What should I do when I return home?
Avoid any strenuous activities for at least 1 day after your procedure. However, start normal activities again as soon as possible.
Until the bruising has settled, be careful of activities that could hurt your back.
Avoid sex for at least 24 hours.
Will I need a follow-up appointment?
We will contact you by telephone in 6 to 8 weeks for a follow-up appointment.
Further information
If you have any concerns regarding the information in this leaflet or your procedure, please phone the Pain Clinic.
Kent Centre for Pain Medicine and Neuromodulation (direct lines)
Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury
Telephone: 01227 783049Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, Margate
Telephone: 01843 235094William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
Telephone: 01233 616691
Useful information
[Web site last accessed 13 February 2026]
Ask 3 Questions
There may be choices to make about your healthcare. Before making any decisions, make sure you get the answers to these three questions:
What are my choices?
What is good and bad about each choice?
How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me?
Your healthcare team needs you to tell them what is important to you. It’s all about shared decision making.
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