Hypogastric Plexus Nerve Block

The hypogastric plexus, nerves at the base of your spine, can transmit pain from your uterus, ovaries, prostate, or other parts of your pelvis. The HP nerve block can eliminate the transmitting of these pain signals.

What is a Hypogastric Plexus Nerve Block?

This minimally invasive procedure is performed by our specialist using a steroid and anti-inflammatory mixture injected into or around your hypogastric plexus (Superior or Inferior) to reduce pelvic pain and is performed under fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance.

What to expect during a Hypogastric Plexus Nerve Block procedure

Your pain specialist will have you lay on your stomach while they numb the surrounding skin with a local anesthetic. With fluoroscopic guidance they insert a thin needle into your back, near the hip bone, inject dye to confirm that the medication will go to the correct spot, and inject pain medication. Alcohol or phenol may also be injected to destroy the nerves in some cases. The procedure takes 30 minutes, then 30 minutes of recovery/observation, and you go home the same day.

What to expect after a Hypogastric Plexus Nerve Block procedure

Your pelvic area may feel warm or “different,” and you may begin to feel less pelvic pain. Some patients report pain relief within 30 minutes after the injection, but pain may return a few hours later when the anesthetic wears off. Longer term relief usually begins in two to three days, once the medication combined with the anesthetic begins to work.

Pain relief for each patient varies for some, the relief lasts weeks. For others, the relief lasts years. If the pain returns, you can discuss having another hypogastric plexus block with your healthcare provider.

You can continue your regular diet and medications after the procedure, but don’t drive or do any rigorous activity for 24 hours after the procedure. You can return to your normal activities the next day.

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