Ganglion Impar Block / RFA
Chronic pelvic, tailbone, or perineal pain can be hard to treat with ordinary medicines. A Ganglion Impar Block targets the specific nerve cluster responsible for this pain, and RFA can keep it quiet for over a year.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Ganglion Impar?
The ganglion impar is a small cluster of sympathetic nerve cells located at the very base of your spine, just in front of the tailbone. It carries pain signals from the perineum, rectum, anus, lower pelvis, and coccyx. Blocking or ablating it can stop these signals from reaching the brain.
What types of pain does a Ganglion Impar Block or RFA treat?
It is most effective for chronic tailbone (coccyx) pain, pelvic pain, perineal pain, and pain in the rectal or anal region. It is also used for cancer-related pain in the lower pelvis when other treatments have not helped enough.
What is the difference between a Ganglion Impar Block and Ganglion Impar RFA?
A block injects local anaesthetic with or without a steroid near the ganglion impar. It is often used first, both to confirm the pain source and to provide short-to-medium-term relief. RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation) uses heat to interrupt the nerve signals more permanently, giving relief that can last 12–24 months.
How is a Ganglion Impar Block or RFA performed?
You lie face-down on the procedure table. The skin over the lower back is cleaned and numbed. Under live X-ray guidance, a thin needle is guided to the sacrococcygeal junction, the junction between the sacrum and tailbone. Contrast dye confirms the needle tip is in front of the coccyx, near the ganglion impar. The anaesthetic or RFA current is then applied. The whole process takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
When will I feel better after a Ganglion Impar procedure?
After a block, many patients feel relief within hours as the local anaesthetic takes effect. Full benefit from the steroid builds over a few days. After RFA, improvement typically begins within 1–2 weeks as the nerve tissue settles down.
How long does pain relief last after Ganglion Impar RFA?
A ganglion impar block typically gives relief for weeks to a few months, useful both for diagnosis and for managing flare-ups. RFA provides much longer relief, usually 12 to 24 months. If the pain returns, the procedure can be safely repeated.
A ganglion impar block typically gives relief for weeks to a few months, useful both for diagnosis and for managing flare-ups. RFA provides permanent relief in 75–80% of patients. In about 20% of patients, pain can return within 24 months. If the pain returns, the procedure can be safely repeated.
Can I go home the same day?
Yes. This is a day-care procedure. You rest for 2–4 hours after the injection, then go home. Arrange for someone to drive you, do not drive on the day of the procedure. Most patients return to light activity within 24–48 hours.
Any concern?