Comparison of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) between Pulsed and Thermal Radiofrequency Ablation of Ganglion Impar in Patients of Chronic Pelvic Pain

Abstract

The present study was done to compare theVisual Analog Scale (VAS) score between Thermal and Pulsed radiofrequency ablation in Ganglion Impar block for treatment of chronic pelvic pain in female patients. Material and Methods: The present study was prospective, randomized, single blinded study and was based on series of 30 patients presenting with chronic pelvic pain, having already failed conservative medical management, presenting in Pain clinic if IGMC Shimla. The patients were divided into 2 groups of 15 patients. Patients in Group A(n=15) were given thermal radiofrequency ablation where as patients in Group B were given pulsed radiofrequency ablation.Results: Mean Pre-procedural VAS score of the patients in Group A was 7.93 ± 0.704 where as mean Pre-procedure VAS score in patients of group B was 8.00 ± 0.655.( P =0.790).Mean 24 Hours Post Procedural VAS Score of the patients in Group A was 2.53 ± 0.516 where as mean 24 Hours Post Procedural VAS Score in patients of group B was 3.53 ± 0.640.( P= 0.000). Mean 1 week Post Procedural VAS Score of the patients in Group A was 2.60 ± 0.507 where as mean 1 week Post Procedural VAS Score in patients of group B was 3.40 ± 0.507. (P= 0.000) Mean 2 week Post Procedural VAS Score of the patients in Group A was 2.33 ± 0.507 where as mean 2 week Post Procedural VAS Score in patients of group B was 3.31 ± 0.564. (P=0.000) .Mean 3 week Post Procedural VAS Score of the patients in Group A was 2.31 ± 0.415 where as mean 3 week Post Procedural VAS Score in patients of group B was 3.29 ± 0.516.( P =0.000). Conclusion: Present study showed that mean Post Procedural VAS Score(24 Hours, 1,2 and 3 week) was significantly lower in group A as compared to group B. we can conclude that thermal radiofrequency ablation of ganglion impar for chronic pelvic pain produces prolonged pain free period in the patients as compared to patients who were treated with pulsed radio frequency ablation.