Chronic abdominal pain can be debilitating and significantly affect quality of life. For patients with abdominal pain from conditions such as chronic pancreatitis or cancer, a splanchnic nerve block blocks the nerves that carry pain from the abdominal organs, offering relief when standard treatments have not helped.
The splanchnic nerve block is primarily used to treat chronic abdominal pain associated with conditions such as:
Chronic pancreatitis
Persistent inflammation of the pancreas that leads to severe abdominal pain.
Cancer
Abdominal pain from cancer or its treatment, particularly pancreatic, stomach, or liver cancers.
Other abdominal conditions
Chronic abdominal pain that has not responded to conventional pain management.
Medication-resistant pain
Pain not controlled by standard medication strategies.
A splanchnic nerve block is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure:
Preparation
You are positioned comfortably and the skin is cleaned and numbed.
Imaging guidance
Imaging guides the needle to the area of the splanchnic nerves alongside the spine.
Blocking the nerves
A local anesthetic is placed near the nerves to block pain signals.
Recovery
You are monitored briefly before going home.
Ideal candidates have chronic abdominal pain, particularly from pancreatitis or abdominal cancers, who have not found relief from other pain management methods.
It is generally regarded as a safe procedure with minimal risks. Complications are rare but can include bleeding, infection, or temporary soreness at the injection site.
Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, cover the splanchnic nerve block for qualifying conditions. Total Spine and Orthopedics can help you navigate coverage.
The splanchnic nerves carry pain signals from the abdominal organs to the brain. They pass alongside the spine in the lower chest and upper abdomen.
A local anesthetic is placed near the splanchnic nerves, blocking the pain signals they carry from the abdominal organs.
Yes. Imaging guidance is used to position the needle accurately near the nerves.
For patients whose pain has not responded to standard treatments, it offers a minimally invasive alternative to more extensive interventions.
Our pain management physicians can review your history and treatments to date. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule.
For appropriate patients, a splanchnic nerve block offers:
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Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.
Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques
We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.
Same-day, outpatient procedures
Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.
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A complimentary MRI review
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