Pudendal Neuralgia: A New Option for Treatment? Preliminary Results on Feasibility and Efficacy

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the feasibility and report the short-term results of a new procedure for treatment of pudendal neuralgia, consisting of transperineal injections of autologous adipose tissue with stem cells along the Alcock's canal. Methods: Fifteen women with pudendal neuralgia not responsive to 3-months medical therapy were examined clinically, with VAS score, validated SF-36 questionnaire, and pudendal nerve motor terminal latency (PNMTL). These patients were submitted to pudendal nerve lipofilling. Clinical examinations with VAS, SF36, and PNTML were scheduled during 12 months follow-up, with the incidence of pain recurrence (VAS > 5) as primary outcome measure. Appropriate tests were used for statistics. Results: All patients had preoperative increase of pudendal nerve latencies. Twelve patients completed the follow-up protocol. There was no mortality, and no complications. Two patients had no pain improvement and continued to use analgesic drugs. At 12 months VAS significantly improved (3.2±0.6 vs 8.1±0.9, P<0.001), as well SF36 (75.5±4.1 vs 85.0±4.5 preoperative, P<0.01), while PNTML showed a nonsignificant trend to a better nerve conduction (2.64±0.04 vs 2.75±0.03 preoperative, P=0.06). Conclusions: The new technique seems to be easy, with low risk of complications, and with significant improvement of symptoms in the short period. A larger study with appropriate controls and longer follow-up is now needed to assess its real effectiveness.