Coeliac Plexus Block Complications — FRCA Primary MCQ

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HardAnatomyCoeliac Plexus Block ComplicationsFRCA Primary

The celiac plexus block is used for pain management in upper abdominal malignancy. Regarding complications the most common side effect is:

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Correct answer: B — Transient diarrhoea and postural hypotension from splanchnic vasodilation

The most common side effects of coeliac plexus block are transient diarrhoea (loss of sympathetic inhibition of gut motility) and postural hypotension (splanchnic vasodilation from sympathetic blockade). Serious complications include: paraplegia (injury to artery of Adamkiewicz) / pneumothorax / retroperitoneal haematoma / and visceral injury. These are rare with image-guided techniques.

Reference: RCoA 2021 Primary FRCA Curriculum