Retrospective Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block in Chronic Pelvic Pain

Abstract

Objective: Chronic pain is a cause that negatively affects the quality of life and functional capacity. As with most chronic pain syndromes, chronic pelvic pain requires a multimodal approach. Hypogastric plexus blockade and neurolysis may be effective in cases that do not respond to conservative treatments. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the effect of hypogastric plexus blockade in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Methods: Forty patients with chronic pelvic pain (duration of pain> 6 months) who underwent hypogastric plexus block under fluoroscopy were evaluated retrospectively. Neurolysis was performed after diagnostic block in 19 patients with chronic pelvic pain associated with pelvic cancer. Results: While the visual analogue scale (VAS) of the patients who underwent superior hypogastric block was 8.8 before the procedure, the VAS scores at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after the procedure were recorded as 3.7, 2.2, and 1.1, respectively (p<0.05). While the mean Oswestry Disabilty Index (ODI) score of the patients before the procedure was 46.0% (severe disability), it was recorded as 3% at the 6th month. The changes in VAS and ODI scores were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Hypogastric plexus blockade should be considered as an effective treatment option in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. Keywords: Pelvic pain, nerve block, pain management, chemical neurolysis, fluoroscopy