Hypogastric Plexus Block

A hypogastric plexus block is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat chronic pelvic pain by targeting the superior hypogastric plexus, a network of nerves located in front of the L5 and S1 vertebral bodies in the lower abdomen.

The hypogastric plexus carries pain signals from pelvic organs. By delivering anesthetic medication near this nerve bundle, a hypogastric plexus block interrupts pain transmission from the pelvis to the brain.

What Is a Hypogastric Plexus Block?

The superior hypogastric plexus is a collection of sympathetic nerve fibers located in the upper front portion of the pelvis. It transmits pain signals from:

  1. Pelvic organs
  2. Bladder
  3. Lower intestines
  4. Uterus and ovaries
  5. Vagina
  6. Prostate and testicles

A hypogastric plexus block involves injecting local anesthetic, with or without corticosteroid medication, near this nerve bundle under imaging guidance.

This procedure is often performed as a series of injections at weekly intervals depending on clinical response.

Conditions Treated

Hypogastric plexus blocks may provide relief for:

  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Cancer-related pelvic pain
  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Prostatitis
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Dyspareunia
  • Myofascial pelvic pain syndrome
  • Vulvitis
  • Cystitis
  • Varicocele-related pain
  • Sympathetically mediated pelvic pain
  • Pelvic congestion syndrome
  • Pelvic fibrosis
  • Radiation-induced neuropathy
  • Irritable bowel syndrome with pelvic pain component

This procedure is particularly effective for pain mediated by the sympathetic nervous system.

Symptoms of Upper Cervical Joint Dysfunction

Patients with atlanto-occipital or atlanto-axial joint pathology often report:

  • Pain at the base of the skull
  • Deep suboccipital pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Limited neck rotation
  • Pain with flexion and extension
  • Headaches that worsen with neck movement
  • Reduced range of motion in all planes

Table of Contents

Urban Spine and Joint

How the Procedure Is Performed

Hypogastric plexus blocks are performed in an outpatient setting using fluoroscopic or CT imaging guidance.

  1. The patient is positioned appropriately on the procedure table.
  2. The skin over the lower back is sterilized.
  3. Local anesthetic is administered to numb the skin.
  4. Using imaging guidance, a needle is advanced to the region near the superior hypogastric plexus.
  5. Contrast dye may be injected to confirm accurate placement.
  6. Local anesthetic, with or without corticosteroid medication, is injected.

Many patients experience pain relief within 20 minutes of the local anesthetic injection. If a steroid is included, longer-lasting relief may occur.

Benefits of Hypogastric Plexus Blocks

  • Targeted relief of chronic pelvic pain
  • Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
  • Rapid onset of pain relief
  • Reduction in pelvic organ–related pain
  • Potential decrease in opioid medication use
  • Improved quality of life and function

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a hypogastric plexus block relieve pelvic pain?

The injection delivers local anesthetic, and sometimes corticosteroid, near the hypogastric plexus to interrupt pain signals from pelvic organs.

The procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting under fluoroscopic or CT guidance.

Some patients experience pain relief within minutes from the anesthetic. Longer-lasting relief may develop over the following days.

When performed under imaging guidance by an experienced specialist, the procedure is generally safe. Temporary soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect.

Begin your journey to recovery.

Reach out to our specialists to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll carefully review your symptoms and match you with the right expert for your specific condition.

CLINIC LOCATION

100 Town Square Place, Suite 405
Jersey City, NJ 07310

DIRECT CONTACT

(908) 665-1938
infor@urbanspinejoint.com

HIPAA