Alcoholic celiac plexus blocks have been used to relieve intractable upper abdominal cancer pain. Various techniques have been proposed including the use of the X-ray and CT scanner to improve results and to avoid complications. We used the CT scanner and the X-ray fluroscope for 36 cases of alcoholic celiac plexus blocks to determine the depth and position of the needle without previous diagnostic blocks. Good to excellent pain relief occurred in more than 72% of the patients and the advantages of the use of the CT scanner showed that 1) placement of the needle tip is easily established according to the surrounding anatomical structures. 2) the operator can introduce the needle without anxiety. 3) the time required for block are saved.