It involves inserting a tube with a camera and light at the end through the esophagus and into the stomach. Once in the stomach, a local anesthetic agent and a dose of alcohol are injected around the affected area blocking a nerve. With the nerve blocked, pain can not be transmitted. This procedure is minimally invasive and helps patients avoid large incisions. The result is a shorter hospital stay and quick relief of symptoms.
Doctors say there are advantages to the celial plexus neurolysis.
The biggest advantage is patients don't have to take pain medications. Because the pain is so severe, some patients take medication up to six or eight times a day. The new procedure takes a total of four hours, which includes registering, having the procedure and the one hour recovery time. Patients are generally allowed to go home the same day. Usually the pain relief is noticed within 24 hours.