Is a Ganglion Impar Block Right for Me?
Chronic pain in the genital/vaginal and perineal area can be quite difficult to treat. A ganglion impar block is a minimally invasive procedure that you may just want to consider if you are dealing with this type of pain.
Ganglion impar is a sympathetic ganglion (cluster of nerves) located in the retroperitoneal space behind the rectum and in front of the coccyx (tail bone).
Blockage of this region can treat several pain conditions. This procedure is utilized with much success in the treatment of:
- Perineal pain, with or without malignancy
- Rectal/anal pain (proctitis)
- Vulvodynia
- Scrotal pain
- Distal urethral pain
- Female pelvic/vaginal pain
- Endometriosis
- Coccydynia
If the pain blockade is successful but the relief is transient, your pain practitioner may consider a radiofrequency ablation in the region to provide much longer lasting pain relief. Talk to your ASAP provider to see if you are a candidate.