Platelet Rich Plasma
What Is a Ganglion Impar Block?
The ganglion is an area where nerves, which send all kinds of signals to the brain (including pain signals), come together. The ganglion impar rests in front of the bony triangle located at the base of your spine, also known as the sacrum. A ganglion impar block disrupts chronic pain in several areas:
- Anal area
- Lower area of the rectum
- Lower part of the urethra
- Scrotum
- Tailbone
- Vagina and Vulva
What does the procedure look like?
Done in the clinic at Portland Pain and Spine, this procedure is generally administered under light sedation, takes less than 15 minutes, and you will be awake during the procedure. Once you are comfortable in a face-down position on the exam table and fully relaxed, your doctor will sterilize the injection site. At this point, you will receive an injection of local anesthesia. It may briefly sting, but you will quickly become numb.
Using fluoroscopic guidance (x-ray), your doctor will insert a needle into the area around your tailbone. Your doctor will stop the advancement of the needle once it has reached the correct spot – the Ganglion Impar. A small amount of contrast dye will first be injected, as this shows up on Xray and is an additional step in ensuring the injection is in the right spot.
Depending on your condition, your doctor will inject either an anesthetic and a steroid, or just one or the other. You might feel a slight burning sensation, or a warm pressure, at the injection site. The procedure is now over.
You will then rest for 30 – 60 minutes while your team continues to monitor your vital signs, and then you will be released to go home shortly thereafter.