Coeliac plexus block
A specialist nerve block that interrupts pain signals from the upper abdomen — used for pancreatic cancer pain, chronic pancreatitis, and selected upper-abdominal pain syndromes where other treatments have failed.
Led by Dr Arul James (Consultant in Pain Medicine, GMC Specialist Register) at The Vesey, Sutton Coldfield. Self-pay and insurance accepted (BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix). Same-week appointments typical.
Who this procedure is for
- Pancreatic cancer pain that is not adequately controlled by oral analgesia, or where opioid side effects are limiting quality of life.
- Chronic pancreatitis with severe upper abdominal pain refractory to medication.
- Selected cases of upper abdominal malignancy pain — gastric, hepatobiliary, retroperitoneal.
- As part of an MDT-coordinated palliative pathway alongside your oncology team.
How the procedure is performed
Performed under CT or fluoroscopy guidance, typically with sedation. Two needles are placed posteriorly to either side of the coeliac plexus at the upper abdomen. Local anaesthetic confirms placement, then either steroid (for benign pain) or neurolytic agent (alcohol or phenol, for cancer pain) is injected. Procedure time 45–60 minutes; visit 2–3 hours including recovery.
Before, during and after
- Before: fasting from midnight if sedation is planned. Bring an escort home. We coordinate with your oncology team in advance.
- During: prone, sedated. The procedure itself is not painful.
- After: 1–2 hours of monitored recovery, IV fluids are usual. Significant pain relief is typical within 24–48 hours.
Recovery and aftercare
Rest for the first 24 hours. Common short-lived side effects include orthostatic dizziness (treated with hydration), diarrhoea (sympathetic block effect, usually settles within 5 days). Pain relief from a neurolytic block typically lasts 3–6 months and the procedure can be repeated.
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Risks and side effects
Common: transient hypotension on standing, diarrhoea, local soreness. Uncommon: prolonged hypotension, bleeding. Rare but serious: pneumothorax, neurological injury, paraplegia (very rare with modern image guidance). Full informed consent with quantified figures at your consultation.
When this procedure is not appropriate
Uncorrectable bleeding disorder, active local infection, allergy to the relevant agents, anatomy that precludes safe needle placement (we will review your imaging in advance).
Cost and pathway
This is a specialist procedure offered as a private referral pathway. Initial consultation £260; procedure cost is quoted individually following review of imaging and MDT coordination with your oncology team.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with Dr Arul James
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.88/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
View the full pain management pathway →
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727