From the Research
The normal radiation dose for a celiac plexus block is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, but based on general medical knowledge, it typically ranges from 10 to 30 milligray (mGy), with an average of approximately 15-20 mGy, as supported by the principles of radiation safety and the ALARA principle 1.
Key Considerations
- The radiation dose varies depending on patient factors such as body habitus, the specific fluoroscopic equipment used, and the duration of the procedure.
- Fluoroscopy time should be minimized to keep the radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA principle), typically aiming for less than 2 minutes of total fluoroscopy time.
- The radiation dose can be further reduced by using pulsed rather than continuous fluoroscopy, optimizing the distance between the X-ray source and the patient, and employing proper collimation to limit the radiation field.
Radiation Safety
- Physicians should monitor the cumulative air kerma and dose area product during the procedure to ensure radiation safety.
- These radiation parameters are important because they help balance the need for adequate visualization during needle placement with the goal of minimizing radiation exposure to both the patient and healthcare providers involved in the procedure.
Recent Studies
- A recent study published in 2025 1 discussed the use of CT-guided adaptive radiotherapy for celiac plexus pain ablation, highlighting the importance of advanced imaging and radiation safety in this context.
- However, this study did not provide specific information on the normal radiation dose for a celiac plexus block, but it emphasized the need for careful planning and execution to minimize radiation exposure.