Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block
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A superior hypogastric plexus block (also known as a hypogastric block) is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure used to treat pelvic and genital pain that has been so far unresponsive to oral medications and other conventional treatments. This injection is considered to be a sophisticated, and more precise version of a sympathetic block that targets a specific region of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) known as the Superior Hypogastric Plexus.
FAQs - Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block
A superior hypogastric plexus block is a minimally invasive procedure that takes just minutes to perform. It can be used to treat different types of visceral and pelvic pain that are non-responsive to oral medications and conventional therapies. The most important aspects of this procedure are its ability to treat pain from a variety of origins, and the immediate pain relief following its successful administration.
Along with spinal innervation, the structures of the pelvic region receive input from the SNS via the superior hypogastric plexus making it an appropriate target for treating pain originating from the area. The first step of the superior hypogastric plexus block treatment is applying a local anesthetic to the treatment area. This helps to relieve any discomfort that may occur during the injection process. Once the treatment area is numbed, a needle will be carefully inserted into the superior hypogastric plexus nerves, which will be accessed from the lower back as you lie face-down. After the needle is in place, the injection will be performed. This treatment is typically completed in less than an hour. After treatment, you may notice some minor swelling or bruising at the injection site, but these effects usually fade within a few days.
After your superior hypogastric plexus block treatment, you will notice immediate pain relief due to the local anesthetic that is injected. This will wear off in a few hours, and pain may return briefly. The steroid medication will take effect within a few days, soothing inflammation and blocking nerve signals so that you can enjoy long-lasting pain relief. The results from your superior hypogastric plexus block can last between several weeks and several months. The exact duration of these results will vary, so we will help you determine the kind of results that you can expect during your initial visit.
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