Percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation for the treatment of refractory pudendal neuralgia.

Abstract

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation of the pudendal nerve for the treatment of refractory pudendal neuralgia. Eleven patients were selected to undergo percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation of the pudendal nerve based on established diagnostic criteria. Brief Pain Inventory questionnaires were administered prior to the procedure, during the immediate 24 h post procedure, and 45 days and 6 months following the procedure. Prior to treatment, the average level of pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable) was 7.6, with pain described as "burning" (80%), "pulling" (37.5%), "crushing" (50%), "pressure" (84.5%), "throbbing" (50%), "knife-life" (52%), and "other" (60%). At 24 h, 45 days, and 6 months post-treatment, pain intensity dropped to 2.6, 3.5, and 3.1, respectively (p < 0.005). There were no procedure-related complications. CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation may represent a safe and efficacious option for selected patients with refractory pudendal neuralgia.