Celiac Plexus Block and Direct Primary Care (DPC): Targeted Pain Relief, Personalized Care
If you have chronic abdominal pain from pancreatitis or cancer that makes it hard to go about your daily life, a celiac plexus block (CPB) can help a lot. Direct Primary Care (DPC) makes sure that this complicated procedure is done with care and expertise.
What is a celiac plexus block? It helps with stomach pain.
A celiac plexus block is a way to stop pain signals from the upper abdominal organs by injecting anesthetic or neurolytic agents near the celiac ganglia, which is a nerve bundle near the stomach. Used for:
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Cancer of the pancreas
- Pain from stomach or liver cancer
Important information for patients:
- Uses: Lessens dependence on opioids and improves quality of life.
- Safety: guided by CT or ultrasound; risks include temporary diarrhea or low blood pressure.
- Costs: Traditional clinics charge between 2,000 USD and 5,000 USD; DPC lowers costs by combining care.
Risks of putting off care:
- Pain that isn't controlled can lead to opioid addiction.
- Less ability to move around and be with other people.
How DPC Changes Care for CPB
Direct Primary Care (DPC) replaces disjointed pain management with coordinated, patient-centered care.
1. Quick access and expert coordination
- Consultations on the same day: Quickly check if the person is a good candidate for CPB after imaging (CT/MRI).
- Collaboration among interventionalists: Work with pain specialists to make sure your CT-guided injections are accurate.
- Before the procedure, make sure blood thinners and other health problems (like diabetes) are as safe as possible.
2. Clear costs and full support
- Prices that include everything: Consultations, imaging reviews, and follow-ups are all included in the membership.
- Lower costs: DPC patients save 1,000 USD to 3,000 USD by paying for their own care at negotiated rates.
- Options that don't hurt: If CPB isn't right for you, talk about TENS units or spinal cord stimulators.
3. Recovery with compassion and lasting relief
- Access all the time: Take care of any dizziness or pain that comes up right after the procedure.
- Personalized pain plans: Change the medications (like pregabalin) and add mindfulness techniques.
- Preventive care: Keep an eye out for recurrence and, if necessary, work with oncology and palliative care.
Success Stories in Real Life
- Case 1: Maria, 58, has chronic pancreatitis. Her DPC team set up CPB, which cut her pain from 8/10 to 3/10 and her use of opioids by 70%.
- Case 2: John, 65, has pancreatic cancer. John's DPC provider combined CPB with palliative care, which let him spend time with his family without pain.
Questions and Answers: Celiac Plexus Block in DPC
- Q: How long does the relief last?
- A: 3 to 6 months with steroids; neurolysis (alcohol) may last longer. DPC schedules repeat blocks as needed.
- Q: Do I need someone to take me home?
- A: Yes. DPC makes sure that patients are safe after the procedure by using sedation.
- Q: Do the scans that come after the first one include?
- A: Yes. Keep an eye on changes in pancreatitis or tumor growth at no extra cost.
- Q: Can DPC help with opioid withdrawal?
- A: Yes. Plans for tapering and non-opioid alternatives, like SNRIs, are given the most attention.
What Makes DPC Good at Managing Pain
The American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) stresses that people with chronic pain should get care from many different types of doctors. DPC does this by:
- Cutting down on wait times: 90% of patients get CPB within a week instead of the usual three weeks.
- Cutting down on opioid use: Proactive blocks cut down on opioid prescriptions by half.
- Saving money: Members save between 2,000 USD and 5,000 USD a year by getting all of their care in one place and going to the ER less often.
Final Thoughts
A celiac plexus block is more than just a procedure; it's a way to get your life back from chronic pain. With DPC, you get a partner who takes care of everything, from imaging to post-procedure care, so you get the relief you need without any delays or money worries. No insurance problems, no broken follow-ups—just caring professionals who help you focus on living, not hurting.
