What is a sympathetic block?
Sympathetic block is used when you have small nerve fibers that transmit some kind of pain. This kind of block uses a local anesthetic to block the nerve signals at various levels in the body. These may include epidural sympathetic blocks, stellate ganglion blocks, or blocks for the lower extremity.
What is a celiac plexus blockade?
The celiac plexus is a network of nerves that connects the majority of abdominal organs (pancreas, liver, gallbladder, stomach, and small intestine). A block to this region lessens the pain that is felt by blocking the transmission of pain signals. Pain due to pancreatic cancer responds very well to celiac plexus blockade.
What is a hypogastric plexus blockade?
The superior hypogastric block has just been recently been introduced for the treatment of pelvic pain. Pain felt to originate from the structures of this plexus (vagina, rectum, bladder, perineum, vulva, prostate, and uterus) can be blocked.
