GENITOFEMORAL NERVE BLOCK

Genitofemoral nerve block is minimally invasive treatment for chronic pelvic pain. Pelvic nerve pain may be caused by damage and dysfunction of the genitofemoral nerve. For the genitofemoral nerve pain, the damaged nerves in the pelvis are the cause of this pain. 
Genitofemoral nerve blocks helps alleviate chronic groin, testicular, penile and pelvic pain conditions. This pain reducing technique can provide therapeutic relief by reducing pain signals that originate from those nerves. 

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE PROCEDURE

In order to increase the accuracy of the procedure, the genitofemoral nerve block is performed either with imaging guidance (live x-ray or ultrasound) or palpation techniques. 
The patient will lie on their back and the abdomen, thigh and groin will be prepared and sterilized. A needle will be inserted to the intended target and local anesthetic and sometimes steroid will be administered to the nerve in order to block pain signals going to the brain. The steroid that may be administered will serve as an anti-inflammatory. 
After the procedure, the patient is monitored for 30 minutes after which they are allowed to go home. 

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE 

There is a significant reduction in pain after a week of the procedure with 80% of patients reported feeling better.