Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Ganglion Impar Injection
1746874319
A ganglion Impar injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve chronic pelvic and perineal pain, including tailbone pain (coccygodynia), pelvic pain, or pain from certain cancers. This procedure targets the ganglion Em par, a small nerve cluster near the tailbone, which can be responsible for persistent pain in these areas.
During the procedure, you’ll lie on your stomach while the doctor uses fluoroscopy (a type of live X-ray) to guide a needle to the ganglion Em par. A local anesthetic is injected for immediate pain relief, along with a steroid to help reduce inflammation for longer lasting results. The procedure is quick and is typically done in an office setting.
Alternatives to this injection include physical therapy, oral pain medications, nerve blocks, or in some cases, neuromodulation techniques like spinal cord stimulation. If conservative treatments haven't helped, a radiofrequency ablation procedure may also be an option to prolong pain relief.
Before the procedure, you may need to stop blood thinners like aspirin, fast for eight hours for solid foods and two hours for clear liquids, and inform your medical team of any allergies. You’ll also need someone to drive you home since you shouldn’t drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day.
Risks are low but may include temporary discomfort at the injection site, infection, bleeding, or in rare cases, an allergic reaction.
Pain relief may be immediate and can last weeks or longer, depending on your condition. Repeat treatments may be needed for continued relief.
Our team is here to help guide you toward the best treatment for your condition.
FAQs
How is the Ganglion Impar Injection procedure performed?
During the procedure, the patient lies on their stomach while a doctor uses fluoroscopy, a type of live X-ray, to guide a needle to the ganglion impar. A local anesthetic and a steroid are injected to provide immediate pain relief and reduce inflammation for longer-lasting results. The procedure is quick and typically performed in an office setting.
What alternatives exist if the Ganglion Impar Injection is not effective?
If conservative treatments like physical therapy, oral pain medications, or other nerve blocks have not provided relief, alternatives such as neuromodulation techniques like spinal cord stimulation may be considered. For extended pain relief, a radiofrequency ablation procedure could also be an option if the Ganglion Impar Injection is not sufficient.
What are the potential risks associated with a Ganglion Impar Injection?
While risks are low, they may include temporary discomfort at the injection site, infection, bleeding, or in rare cases, an allergic reaction. The procedure is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified medical professional.
What are the preparation requirements before undergoing a Ganglion Impar Injection?
Patients may need to stop taking blood thinners like aspirin before the procedure, fast for eight hours for solid foods, and two hours for clear liquids. Additionally, it's important to inform the medical team of any allergies. Arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure is also necessary, as you should not drive or operate machinery on the same day.
What is a Ganglion Impar Injection and when is it used?
A Ganglion Impar Injection is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at providing relief from chronic pelvic and perineal pain, such as tailbone pain (coccygodynia), pelvic pain, and pain associated with some cancers. By targeting the ganglion impar, a small nerve cluster near the tailbone, the injection helps to alleviate pain in these areas.