Computed tomography-guided pudendal block for treatment of pelvic pain due to pudendal neuropathy.
BACKGROUND
Severe pelvic pain secondary to pudendal neuropathy can be treated with repeated local anesthetic nerve blocks or with surgical decompression of the nerve. Computed tomographic (CT) needle guidance to identified reliable anatomic points might be useful for improved success rates.


METHODS
A CT scan is used to determine baseline anatomy and identify the sacrospinous process. A metallic marker is used to create a perpendicular pathway from the sacrospinous process upward to the skin surface, where a local anesthetic is injected. A 22-gauge, 5-inch needle is inserted downward in a perpendicular direction to the target. Deep penetration and direction are confirmed by serial CT scans. Medication is injected and the needle is removed.


RESULTS
Twenty-six women with diagnoses of pudendal neuropathy were treated with injection therapy once per month, for five total treatments each. About three-quarters experienced improvement. There were no complications in this series. Outcomes were gratifying considering the complex patient population, all having failed multiple therapeutic trials.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe this technique warrants further evaluation and application in instances where noninvasive therapy of pudendal neuropathy is indicated.
McDonald
J S
JS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine, USA. jsm5525@aol.com
Spigos
D G
DG
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome