CT-guided Blocks and Neuroablation of the Ganglion Impar (Walther) in Perineal Pain: Anatomy, Technique, Safety, and Efficacy

OBJECTIVEAn alternate approach to the ganglion impar was chosen to minimize the risk of adverse events. Efficacy of the procedure was evaluated. METHODSCharts and computed tomography (CT)-scans of patients who underwent block and neuroablation of the ganglion impar (Walther) between 2003 and 2007 were systematically reviewed with respect to adverse events and efficacy by rating pain intensity. A total of 76 blocks were performed, 48 of them being diagnostic blocks and 28 neuroablations. Chemical destruction was performed with ethanol, if pain recurred despite injection of local anesthetic. RESULTSInterventional pain therapy was performed in 43 patients (age64.6±12.4 y, median 49.5 y, range36 to 86 y, male/female27/16) presenting with perineal pain of unknown origin (n=15), carcinoma of the prostate (n=8), colorectal carcinoma (n=7), postsurgery of thrombosis of perineal veins (n=3), postherpetic neuralgia (n=4), malformation of the spinal cord (n=2), vaginal protrusion (n=2), failed back surgery syndrome (n=1), and ablation of testis (n=1). CT-guided puncture was not associated with any adverse events and resulted in a reduction of numeric rating scale values from 8.2±1.6 to 2.2±1.6 (P