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Before the superior hypogastric plexus block, a nurse will inform you of the risks and benefits, and you will sign a consent form. The nurse will place an IV catheter in your arm so you can receive a sedative, fluids, and other medications if necessary.

You should notify the Los Angeles pain management doctor of all medications you are taking, as certain blood-thinning agents must be held for several days. In addition, have someone with you to drive you home, and you cannot eat or drink anything after midnight before the procedure.

With the posterior approach, the Beverly Hills pain doctor will position you face down, and cleanse the back with an antiseptic solution. After the skin and deeper tissues are numbed using a local anesthetic, a needle is inserted near the nerves using x-ray guidance (CT imaging or fluoroscopy). Once placement is verified, the doctor instills an anesthetic onto the superior hypogastric plexus.

The total procedure only takes around 15 minutes. If there is relief with the diagnostic portion of the block, the doctor may administer a neurolytic agent (phenol or alcohol) to destroy a portion of the nerves.

After the block, the patient will experience immediate pain relief, and the effects are usually long-term. A nurse will monitor you in the recovery area for around 20-30 minutes. You may experience soreness at the injection site, and should take it easy for a couple of days. You are permitted to eat and drink as usual, but should avoid driving or heavy activity for 1-2 days. Most of the time, you are permitted to return to work the day after the procedure.

The risks and side effects associated with this procedure are minimal. The most common side effect of the procedure is a sore back at the injection site. In addition, there is a slight risk of an allergic reaction to medications or products used during the procedure. The risk of the superior hypogastric plexus block include nerve injury, organ damage, infection, and increased pain. In addition, there is the slight chance the needle could puncture a blood vessel, leading to a blood clot in the pelvis.

In several studies, the superior hypogastric plexus block significantly decreases pain scores. The success rate is 70-80%, based on reports. One study found that this block would reduce the need for pain medications by at least 50% in the three weeks following the procedure.