Splanchnic Nerve Neurotomy
What are splanchnic nerves and what is a splanchnic nerve neurotomy?
The splanchnic nerves are visceral nerves (nerves that contribute to the innervation of the internal organs) that carry pain information to your brain from organs in your abdomen and are located on both sides of your spine. Blocking these nerves can help you stop feeling abdominal pain.
A splanchnic nerve neurotomy is a procedure in which the splanchnic nerves are heated to a temperature of 70-80 degrees Celsius that helps relieve upper abdominal pain, commonly due to cancer or chronic pancreatitis.
What should I expect if I am undergoing splanchnic nerve neurotomy?
You will initially be assessed for fitness to undergo the procedure. If you are on blood thinning medications like warfarin or clopidogrel you will be given instructions on how and when to stop these medications before the procedure. You will be asked to come to our centre fasting for a period of six hours before the procedure. An anaesthetist will assess you before the procedure and you might require mild sedation during the procedure.
At Atlas Pain Care, Coimbatore, this procedure is done in an operating room under X-ray guidance with you lying on your tummy. Local anaesthetic will be used to numb your skin in the back before the actual procedure needle is inserted. The tip of the needle is placed in the correct position using X-ray guidance and once the position is confirmed using a radio-opaque dye, a local anaesthetic is injected and the nerves are heated up with radiofrequency current. Usually, the procedure takes about 45 minutes, and you can go home the same day.
What are the risks?
The risk of complication from a splanchnic nerve block is very low. However, there could be bruising or soreness at the injection site. Serious complications, including infection and bleeding, are uncommon. Side effects of the injected medication may include dizziness and diarrhoea. These effects will subside in a few days.
What happens after the procedure?
Your abdomen may feel numb or “different,” but this feeling will subside when the anaesthetic wears off. You will be asked not to drive or do any rigorous activity for 24 hours after your splanchnic nerve block. You can return to your normal activities the next day.
You can continue your regular diet and medications immediately.
Please read our FAQ section to know more about the do's and don'ts prior to and after the procedure.