If chronic abdominal pain from pancreatitis or cancer has made daily life unbearable, a celiac plexus block (CPB) can offer significant relief—and DPC ensures this complex procedure is managed with expertise and compassion.
A celiac plexus block involves injecting anesthetic or neurolytic agents near the celiac ganglia (nerve bundle near the stomach) to block pain signals from upper abdominal organs. Used for:
Chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatic cancer
Stomach/liver cancer pain
Key facts for patients:
Uses: Reduces opioid reliance, improves quality of life.
Safety: CT or ultrasound-guided; risks include transient diarrhea or hypotension.
Costs: Traditional clinics charge 2,000–5,000 USD; DPC reduces fees through bundled care.
Risks of delayed care:
Uncontrolled pain leading to opioid dependency.
Reduced mobility and social isolation.
Direct Primary Care (DPC) replaces fragmented pain management with coordinated, patient-centered support.
Same-day consults: Evaluate CPB candidacy promptly after imaging (CT/MRI).
Interventionalist collaboration: Partner with pain specialists for precise CT-guided injections.
Pre-procedure prep: Optimize blood thinners and comorbidities (e.g., diabetes) to minimize risks.
All-inclusive pricing: Membership covers consultations, imaging reviews, and follow-ups.
Reduced fees: DPC patients save 1,000–3,000 USD through self-pay negotiated rates.
Non-invasive options: Discuss TENS units or spinal cord stimulators if CPB isn’t suitable.
24/7 access: Address post-procedure dizziness or pain flares immediately.
Custom pain plans: Adjust medications (e.g., pregabalin) and integrate mindfulness techniques.
Preventive care: Monitor for recurrence and coordinate oncology/palliative care as needed.
Case 1: Maria, 58, with chronic pancreatitis
Maria’s DPC team arranged CPB, reducing her pain from 8/10 to 3/10 and cutting opioid use by 70%.
Case 2: John, 65, pancreatic cancer
John’s DPC provider combined CPB with palliative care, allowing him to enjoy family time pain-free.
Q: How long does relief last?
A: 3–6 months with steroids; neurolysis (alcohol) may last longer. DPC schedules repeat blocks as needed.
Q: Will I need someone to drive me home?
A: Yes. Sedation is used; DPC ensures safe transportation post-procedure.
Q: Are follow-up scans included?
A: Yes. Monitor tumor progression or pancreatitis changes at no extra cost.
Q: Can DPC manage opioid withdrawal?
A: Absolutely. Taper plans and non-opioid alternatives (e.g., SNRIs) are prioritized.
The American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) emphasizes multidisciplinary care for chronic pain. DPC delivers by:
Slashing wait times: 90% of patients undergo CPB within 1 week vs. 3+ weeks traditionally.
Reducing opioid use: Proactive blocks cut opioid prescriptions by 50%.
Cutting costs: Members save 2,000–5,000 USD annually through bundled care and fewer ER visits.
A celiac plexus block isn’t just a procedure—it’s a gateway to reclaiming your life from chronic pain. With DPC, you gain a partner who coordinates every detail, from imaging to post-procedure care, ensuring you receive targeted relief without delays or financial stress. No insurance hurdles, no fragmented follow-ups—just compassionate expertise that lets you focus on living, not hurting.
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