Sustained celiac blockade can be achieved by percutaneous injection of 25 ml of 25% to 50% ethanol, with or without 0.5% lidocaine (Xylocaine) hydrochloride, or by repeated injections of 0.25% lidocaine. The purpose of this blockade is to relieve ischemia in the splanchnic area. Better regional flow results, but whether improved flow will be sustained and serve to prevent death from shock and other disorders in which splanchnic ischemia is a threat to life depends on the reversibility of the damage already present.