Celiac plexus block: diagnostic and therapeutic applications in abdominal pain.

The celiac plexus block has been "rediscovered" by the modern multidisciplinary pain clinic. Local anesthetic blocks aid in diagnosing unusual syndromes of abdominal pain. Neurolytic blocks are important in the management of intractable pain from abdominal cancer. Therapeutic use of celiac plexus block in managing the pain of chronic pancreatitis has been expanded by the use of intraplexus steroids. This treatment carries less morbidity than surgical interventions and affords long-term pain relief.