Impact of superior hypogastric nerve block during uterine fibroid embolisation on pain scores, opioid requirements, and same-day discharge: a case–control study

To assess the safety and efficacy of superior hypogastric nerve block (SHNB) in managing periprocedural pain associated with uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) and in facilitating same-day discharge. Prospectively enrolled case–control study with retrospective analysis comprising 119 eligible patients who underwent UFE for symptomatic fibroids was undertaken at a UK teaching hospital between January 2016 and September 2022. SHNB was administered to 62 participants in addition to systemic analgesia; 57 participants received systemic analgesia alone. SHNB was performed mid-UFE using 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine. Pain scores were assessed using an 11-point (0–10) verbal numerical rating scale (NRS). The study received research and ethics committee approval. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square and independent t-test or Mann–Whitney U-test. A p-value of