Novel implantation technique for pudendal nerve peripheral nerve stimulation for treatment of chronic pelvic pain

BackgroundChronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a pervasive, difficult to treat condition affecting up to 26% of the global female and 8.2% of the global male population. Considered a form of chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), it is medically complex and often refractory to multimodal management. Neuromodulation has become increasingly popular in treatment of chronic neuropathic pain conditions, including CPP and CRPS. Dorsal column spinal cord stimulation and dorsal root ganglion stimulation have had some success for managing CPP meanwhile peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS) have been suggested as another viable option. However, few studies in the literature have reported successful use of PNS in treatment of CPP. Here, we detail a possible technique for pudendal PNS lead placement for management of CPP. MethodThis article describes a novel cephalad to caudad fluoroscopic guided technique for pudendal nerve PNS lead placement and implantation. ResultsA cephalad to caudal-medial fluoroscopic guided approach as described within to successfully implant a percutaneous pudendal nerve PNS for management of CPP. ConclusionsThe pudendal nerve PNS lead placement technique noted within can be used to avoid many of the important neurovascular structures near the pelvic outlet. Further studies are needed to validate the safety and efficacy of this therapy modality but it may be a viable management option for patients with medically refractory CPP.