What is an Abdominal Nerve Block?

 

An Abdominal Nerve Block is a targeted injection used to relieve chronic or severe pain originating from the abdomen. It involves injecting local anaesthetic, sometimes combined with steroid, around specific nerves that supply sensation to the abdominal region. In some cases, longer-term pain relief can be achieved using techniques such as neurolysis (nerve destruction) or radiofrequency treatment.

What conditions do we offer this for?

Abdominal Nerve Block

We offer abdominal nerve blocks for patients with:

 

Chronic abdominal pain

due to conditions such as abdominal wall entrapment syndrome or post-surgical pain

Pancreatic pain

(e.g. from chronic pancreatitis or cancer)

Visceral pain

from abdominal organs not responding to oral medication

Post-operative pain

after abdominal surgery, particularly when localised and persistent

Why is it done?

The procedure is carried out to:
  • Provide targeted relief from abdominal or visceral pain
  • Reduce the need for strong oral medications, such as opioids
  • Improve quality of life, appetite, sleep, and daily functioning
  • Facilitate recovery, rehabilitation, or palliative care in cancer pain

What does the procedure involve?

  • You will lie on your back or side depending on the target area.
  • The skin will be cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic.
  • Under ultrasound guidance, a needle is carefully positioned near the target nerve or
    plexus.
  • A mixture of local anaesthetic and steroid is injected to block pain signals.
  • In some cases, pulsed radiofrequency energy may be used for longer-term relief.
  • The procedure typically takes 20–40 minutes, depending on the complexity.

Benefits

  • Effective pain relief that can last for weeks to months
  • Reduction in the use of strong painkillers
  • Improved ability to eat, sleep, move, and engage in care or rehabilitation
  • Can significantly enhance quality of life in chronic or cancer-related pain

When to Seek Medical Attention

Please attend A&E or contact your doctor if you experience:

• Fever, chills, or signs of infection at the injection site
• Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• New weakness or numbness in the legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Aftercare Advice

You will be monitored for a short time and can usually go home the same day.
Avoid driving for 24 hours.
Rest for the remainder of the day, then resume normal activities gradually.
Some soreness, numbness, or change in bowel function may be noticed temporarily.
A follow-up plan will be discussed depending on your response to the block.

Very Common side effects

(may affect more than 1in 10 patients):
  • Pain or bruising at the injection site
  • Mild temporary abdominal numbness
  • Temporary increase in pain before improvement

Common side effects

(may affect up to 1in 10 patients):
  • Low blood pressure (especially with splanchnic or celiac plexus blocks)
  • Nausea or light-headedness

Uncommon side effects

(may affect up to 1in 100 patients):
  • Temporary diarrhoea or bloating
  • Weakness of abdominal wall muscles

 

 Rare side effects

(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 patients):
  • Nerve injury or persistent numbness
  • Bleeding, infection, or internal organ puncture
  • Allergic reaction to medication