2004 Volkswagen Passat Coolant flange replacement

On my car, there is a coolant flange that mounts to the back of the cylinder head that is leaking. It is the housing for the coolant temp sensor and is a junction for coolant flowing out of the cylinder head to the radiator as well as to the heater core. The problem is that I cannot see to replace the flange, only try to feel my way around there and it is in very close proximity to other items like the harness and the EGR valve. I have been fighting with it for two days, so far I have the nuts off of the flange and also the two 10mm bolts out of the connection with the passage to the radiator and it is nowhere near coming loose. I have removed the circlips that secure the heater core hose, but it will not come off either. Is there something like a PCV or EGR pipe that might be prohibiting my progress?