Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block
What Is Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block?
A Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block itself is an injection of a steroid and an anesthetic that targets the nerve plexus, which is located deep in your abdomen. This block interrupts pain signals sent from the nerves in this area.
What does the procedure look like?
The superior hypogastric plexus block is performed as an outpatient procedure at Portland Pain and Spine, and you will likely not require any IV sedation. However, if you’re nervous about the pain, talk to your doctor.
Once you are lying comfortably, face down, on the exam table you will place a pillow under your belly to slightly flatten out the lower back. The reason for this is that it makes it easier to position the injection correctly. Your doctor will clean and sterilize the area to be injected, then using X-ray guidance your doctor will insert two needles for this block.
Once the needles are correctly in place your doctor will inject contrast dye in the area around the targeted nerves. This dye will confirm proper placement, as it can be viewed in the X-ray. Once everything has been established and confirmed your doctor will perform the block. The block will consist of an anesthetic, a steroid, or both.
The procedure takes 15 minutes.