Hypogastric Plexus Block

Hypogastric Plexus Blocks are advanced nonsurgical pain relief treatments performed by the region’s leading pain management experts at Nassau Anesthesia Associates, P.C., a medical group affiliated with Winthrop-University Hospital on Long Island, NY.

In addition to providing anesthesia care for patients before, during, and after surgery, Nassau Anesthesia Associates has anesthesiologists with advanced training in the field of pain management. We utilize the most advanced nonsurgical techniques for treating acute and chronic pain that hasn’t responded to more conservative treatments.

A hypogastric plexus block is an injection of steroids and pain medication used to control pelvic pain which doesn’t respond to oral medication. The hypogastric plexus is a bundle of nerves located near the bottom of the spinal cord which supplies the structures and organs in the lower part of the abdomen. These groups of nerves all join together at a particular point before dividing again to supply the pelvic organs. The long-acting hypogastric plexus injection blocks these nerves from carrying pain to the  pelvic organs.

Conditions Treated with Hypogastric Plexus Injections

For therapeutic pain management that cannot be accomplished with oral pain medicine, the hypogastric plexus block can provide pain relief for the following:

Cancer that has metastasized to the pelvis
Endometriosis
Radiation injuries

Hypogastric plexus injections are often used to treat pain originating from the:

  • Bladder

  • Rectum

  • Descending colon

  • Vagina

  • Vulva

  • Uterus

  • Perineum

  • Penis

  • Urethra

  • Prostate

  • Testes

What to Expect

  • During the procedure, you are positioned on your stomach with a pillow under your pelvic area.

  • Local anesthesia is applied to your back to numb the area where the hypogastric plexus block will be injected. Sometimes, at the patient’s request, sedatives are given to make them more comfortable.

  • The correct placement of the injection is determined by x-ray guidance and the administration of contrast dye.

  • Once the correct location is determined, your doctor will inject the combination of pain medication and steroids into the hypogastric plexus. The entire procedure usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

  • Arranging a ride home after the procedure is highly recommended. A successful block will cause profound pain relief in the pelvic area and can last anywhere from several weeks to years. Long-term effects are generally sustained with repeated treatments.

Meet our Elite Team of Anesthesiologists and Pain Management Specialists

The highly skilled anesthesiologists at Nassau Anesthesia Associates, P.C. have several additional years of anesthesia specialty training such as cardiac, pediatric, or intensive care medicine.

Our affiliation with renowned Winthrop-University Hospital provides our patients with complete access to Winthrop’s vast resources including physicians and state-of-the-art operating rooms and facilities.

The Winthrop-University Hospital Advantage

Nassau Anesthesia Associates’ affiliation with renowned Winthrop-University Hospital provides our patients with complete access to Winthrop’s vast resources including physicians and state-of-the-art operating rooms and facilities.