Abstract

SCHMIDT, André P; SCHMIDT, Sérgio R G  and  RIBEIRO, Sady M. Is superior hypogastric plexus block effective for treatment of chronic pelvic pain?. Rev. Bras. Anestesiol. [online]. 2005, vol.55, n.6, pp. 669-679. ISSN 0034-7094.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-70942005000600011.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypograstric plexus block has been considered a safe and effective alternative for treat patients with chronic pelvic pain. Published studies available at MedLine on the subject were included and evaluated in this review. CONTENTS: Some studies have documented superior hypogastric plexus block effectiveness in relieving pain and decreasing opioid consumption, mainly in cancer patients. However, studies had failures in method or design. CONCLUSIONS: New prospective and better-designed studies are still needed to confirm the effectiveness of hypogastric plexus block in relieving pelvic pain. These studies shall have stricter inclusion criteria, longer follow-up, and evaluation of other symptoms and quality of life before and after the procedure. Superior hypogastric plexus block should be recommended as alternative and not as primary therapy.

Keywords : ANESTHETIC TECHNIQUES, Regional [hypogastric plexus block]; PAIN, Chronic [pelvic]; PAIN, Chronic [oncologic]; SCIENTIFIC METHODOLOGY [evidence-based]; SCIENTIFIC METHODOLOGY [Medicine].