Page Title: Splanchnic Nerve Block or Ablation
Subtitle: Targeted nerve treatment to reduce persistent upper abdominal pain
Meta Title: Splanchnic Nerve Block or Ablation
Meta Description: Consultant led splanchnic nerve block or ablation for persistent upper abdominal pain with image guided treatment options.
URL Slug: splanchnic-nerve-block-ablation
Splanchnic nerve block or ablation is a specialist treatment that aims to reduce persistent upper abdominal pain by targeting the splanchnic nerves, which carry pain signals from organs in the upper abdomen. It may be considered when abdominal pain has not improved with medication, rehabilitation, or other conservative options.
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Overview
The splanchnic nerves form part of the sympathetic nervous system and act as a major pathway for pain signals travelling from the upper abdominal organs to the spinal cord and brain. When pain becomes persistent, severe, or difficult to control, targeting this nerve pathway may help reduce pain intensity and improve daily function.
A splanchnic nerve block involves injecting local anaesthetic, sometimes combined with steroid medication, near the splanchnic nerves. This may calm nerve sensitivity and help confirm whether this pathway is contributing to symptoms. If the block provides meaningful but temporary relief, radiofrequency ablation may be considered to provide longer lasting benefit by reducing pain signal transmission from the same nerve pathway.
This approach is usually considered after appropriate medical assessment has taken place and when non interventional options have not provided adequate relief.
Who this treatment helps
A splanchnic nerve block or ablation may be considered for people with:
• Persistent upper abdominal pain that remains after medical causes have been assessed
• Pain that may be visceral in nature, deep, aching, or difficult to localise
• Abdominal pain linked to chronic inflammatory or functional conditions in selected cases
• Pain that disrupts sleep, eating, movement, or day to day activity
• Symptoms that have not responded adequately to medication or supportive treatment
• Situations where a nerve pathway treatment is clinically appropriate following consultant assessment
A consultation is required to confirm suitability and to ensure this treatment matches the pattern and suspected source of pain.
What is a Splanchnic Nerve Block or Ablation
A splanchnic nerve block is an image guided injection delivered near the splanchnic nerves. The injection typically contains local anaesthetic and may include steroid medication depending on the clinical situation. The aims are to reduce nerve sensitivity, calm pain pathways, and help confirm whether the splanchnic nerves are contributing to pain.
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive technique that may be offered when a diagnostic block suggests the splanchnic nerves are an important pain pathway. It uses controlled heat delivered through specialised needles to reduce pain signal transmission from the targeted nerves. The nerves targeted are sensory pathways, and the treatment is designed to reduce pain signalling without affecting strength or movement.
Fluoroscopy or CT guidance may be used to support accurate placement and safety.
What to expect during the procedure
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Consultant review and confirmation of the treatment plan
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You are positioned comfortably on the procedure table
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The skin is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic
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Imaging guidance is used to position the needle safely and accurately
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A small amount of contrast may be used to confirm placement when appropriate
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The medication is injected for a nerve block, or radiofrequency treatment is delivered for ablation
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You are monitored for a short period before discharge
Most procedures are completed as a day case.
After the procedure
After a nerve block, you may notice temporary relief from the local anaesthetic, which can help confirm the pain source. Steroid effects, if used, may take several days to develop.
After ablation, it is normal to experience local soreness for a few days. Pain relief often develops gradually over 2 to 6 weeks as the nerve pathway settles.
Your consultant may advise:
• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 to 48 hours
• Gradually return to normal activity as comfort allows
• Continue rehabilitation or supportive care where recommended
• Keep a brief symptom record to track response over time
Benefits
• May reduce persistent upper abdominal pain by targeting a key pain pathway
• Can help confirm whether the splanchnic nerves are contributing to symptoms
• Minimally invasive and typically performed as a day case
• May improve sleep, comfort, and daily function
• May reduce reliance on medication in selected patients
• Ablation may provide longer lasting relief when diagnostic blocks are successful
Possible risks and side effects
Splanchnic nerve procedures are generally safe when performed by experienced clinicians using image guidance. Possible risks and side effects may include:
• Temporary increase in pain or soreness at the injection site
• Bruising or local tenderness
• Lightheadedness or temporary low blood pressure
• Allergic reaction to medication or contrast dye
• Infection or bleeding, rare
• Very rarely irritation of nearby structures
Your consultant will explain individual risks and how they are minimised.
When to consider other options
If symptoms do not improve, or if the pattern of pain suggests a different source, your consultant may discuss alternatives such as:
• Coeliac plexus block or ablation
• Abdominal wall nerve blocks where appropriate
• Trigger point injections for abdominal wall tension
• Medication optimisation and nerve pain strategies
• Multidisciplinary pain management and rehabilitation support
Safety note
Please tell your consultant if you take blood thinners, have diabetes, allergies, active infection, are pregnant, or have had previous reactions to steroid, local anaesthetic, or contrast dye. You may need someone to accompany you home depending on the medications use
Arrange a consultation to discuss whether a splanchnic nerve block or ablation is suitable for your abdominal pain.