TL;DR Quick answer
A nerve block for persistent pelvic pain, including pain from pelvic cancers. It is commonly used for cancer pain. The procedure takes about 30–45 minutes and is day care. Suitability is decided after a specialist assessment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block
The superior hypogastric plexus carries pain signals from the pelvic organs. Blocking it can reduce chronic pelvic pain, including pain related to cancers of the pelvic organs.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 30–45 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Local |
| Guidance | X-ray (fluoroscopy) |
| Hospital stay | Day care, home the same day |
| Commonly used for | Cancer Pain |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Benefits
- No surgical incision
- Day-care procedure: home the same day
- Precise, image-guided placement
- Can be combined with rehabilitation
Before the procedure
Tell the clinic if you take blood thinners, have diabetes, an infection, or could be pregnant. You will receive specific instructions, including whether to fast and whether someone should take you home.
During the procedure
You lie on your front. Under X-ray guidance, a needle is placed in front of the lower lumbar spine and the medicine injected.
After the procedure
You rest for a short time before going home, usually the same day. Mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two is common. Follow-up checks how much the procedure helped.
Risks and safety
Temporary back soreness and, rarely, bleeding, infection or nerve injury. The doctor discusses the benefits and risks for you before you consent.
Myths and facts
Myth Injections near the spine or nerves are very painful.
Fact The skin is numbed first. Most people feel pressure and brief discomfort.
Myth One injection fixes the problem for good.
Fact The effect varies. Some people need a repeat procedure, and most benefit from exercise and follow-up as well.
| Condition | What it is | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Pain | Specialist help for pain caused by cancer or its treatment, alongside the oncology team. | Persistent or breakthrough pain; nerve pain after treatment |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.