Who would benefit from this procedure?

Individual with chronic pelvic and/or rectal pain related to either injury, arteritis, or visceral pain.

How does this procedure work?

The ganglion is a structure comprised of confluence of nerves at the level of the coccyx.   Blocking this structure results in pain relief.

How is this procedure done?

The patient will be asked to lie on his/her abdomen. The skin is first cleaned in proper surgical sterile fashion, an area in the lower sacrum is than anesthetized for our target, this is followed by placement of needle and times two needles are placed under x-ray guidance to their target.  A mixture of local anesthetic and at times with added steroid is injected.

What are the potential risks?

Although this is a very safe procedure, it is not without risk.  Whenever a needle is used there is always the risk of infection and bleeding.  Although rare, there is also risk for nerve root injury or injury to vascular structures such as the iliac arteries.

What should I expect after the procedure?

It is normal to experience temporary soreness at the need placement sites. If effective, you should experience pain relief.  Typically, the first block benefit tends to last several day and individuals tend to experience added and longer benefits with repeated blocks or application of neurolytic agent.