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Percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation for the treatment of refractory pudendal neuralgia

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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation of the pudendal nerve for the treatment of refractory pudendal neuralgia.

Materials and methods

Eleven patients were selected to undergo percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation of the pudendal nerve based on established diagnostic criteria. Brief Pain Inventory questionnaires were administered prior to the procedure, during the immediate 24 h post procedure, and 45 days and 6 months following the procedure.

Results

Prior to treatment, the average level of pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable) was 7.6, with pain described as “burning” (80%), “pulling” (37.5%), “crushing” (50%), “pressure” (84.5%), “throbbing” (50%), “knife-life” (52%), and “other” (60%). At 24 h, 45 days, and 6 months post-treatment, pain intensity dropped to 2.6, 3.5, and 3.1, respectively (p < 0.005). There were no procedure-related complications.

Conclusions

CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation may represent a safe and efficacious option for selected patients with refractory pudendal neuralgia.

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Conflict of interest

Disclosure: We have provided paid consultation in the past for Galil Medical and specifically attended a dinner at RSNA 2012 in the capacity as paid consultants for on-label use of cryoablation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Emory University Hospital, 1364 Clifton Road, NE Suite D112, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    J. David Prologo & Roger Williams

  2. Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA

    Roger C. Lin

  3. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7235, USA

    David Corn

Authors
  1. J. David Prologo
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  2. Roger C. Lin
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Correspondence to J. David Prologo.

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Prologo, J.D., Lin, R.C., Williams, R. et al. Percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation for the treatment of refractory pudendal neuralgia. Skeletal Radiol 44, 709–714 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-014-2075-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-014-2075-3

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