Pulsed Radiofrequency of Pudendal Nerve for Treatment in Patients with Pudendal Neuralgia. A Case Series with Long-Term Follow-Up

Abstract

Pudendal neuralgia (PN) is an impairing neuropathic disorder, affecting both men and women, involving a severe burning and sharp pain along the course of the pudendal nerve. Treatment is often insufficient, and options are limited. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is a technique which might be useful in therapy. This case series aims to determine the effectiveness of PRF in patients with PN in the context of evaluation of care. Between 2010 and 2016, all female patients of University Medical Center Utrecht diagnosed with PN who experience insufficient pain relief after common treatment were offered PRF. Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scores were assessed at 3-month follow-up and at long-term follow-up (median 4 years). PGI-I scores were recorded to evaluate our quality of care. Twenty patients with PN consented to undergo PRF. We lost one patient in follow-up. Seventy-nine percent of the patients described their condition as “(very) much better” at 3-month follow-up. At long-term follow-up, 89% of the patients described their condition as “(very) much better.” No serious side effects were observed. In conclusion, PRF is a successful treatment option in patients not responding to standard treatment options, including pudendal nerve blocks. PRF of the pudendal nerve can be used for PN to provide relief in patients’ chronic pelvic pain.