Celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) may be recommended for pancreatic cancer patients, while the celiac plexus block (CPB) is often recommended for patients with chronic pancreatitis.

CPN is a chemical ablation of the celiac plexus that involves injecting alcohol in the upper abdomen to numb the mass of nerve tissue in pancreatic cancer patients suffering from extreme pain. Celiac Plexus Block uses steroids to temporarily neutralize the celiac plexus for those with diseases such as chronic pancreatitis.

Celiac plexus neurolysis and celiac plexus block are generally performed under the direction of endoscopic ultrasound.