Article
Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block
Dr. Chris Beck • Updated Sep 16, 2021
Superior hypogastric plexus block, also referred to as superior hypogastric nerve block (SHNB), is a less common interventional procedure. The superior hypogastric plexus block procedure is commonly used in the setting of a temporary nerve block for patients undergoing uterine fibroid embolization. Additionally, superior hypogastric plexus block or neurolysis can be used in the setting of pain management for visceral pain related to pelvic malignancy. Superior hypogastric nerve block is utilized to reduce the amount of narcotics and antiemetics needed following uterine fibroid embolization. There are multiple different superior hypogastric nerve block techniques. Understanding the anatomy and basic fluoroscopic needle placement techniques are the foundation for safely accessing the superior hypogastric plexus (SHP). Pain regimens vary between operators but having a firm understanding of the patient's pain and the mechanism of action of the administered drugs is critical for maximizing effectiveness of the superior hypogastric plexus block procedure.
Table of Contents
Pre-Procedure Prep
Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block Procedure
Post-Procedure
Pre-Procedure Prep
Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block Indications
• Intraoperative pain control for uterine artery embolization
• Intractable pain related to pelvic neoplasm, endometriosis, etc.
Contraindications
• Uncorrected coagulopathy
• Allergy
Featured Podcast
Episode # 10 • 23 Aug 2017
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Dr. Keith Pereira and Dr. Chris Beck discuss building their UFE practice and transradial versus transfemoral approaches.
Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block Procedure
Positioning
Supine or prone
Procedure often performed in setting of uterine fibroid embolization
• If femoral access, helpful to advance catheter to contralateral internal iliac artery to delineate aortic bifurcation
• If radial access, can use contrast injection to outline the bifurcation
Infraumbilical abdomen prepped
Needle: 15 cm, 20-25g Chiba or spinal needle
Target
• Midline; lower half of L5 vertebral body
• Flatten the endplates of L5 using caudal tilt
• Advance needle to periosteum of L5 vertebral body
• Avoid disc
Collimate and use hemostats to avoid fluoroscopic exposure to hands
Confirm Position
• Lateral view
• Inject contrast: retroperitoneal, nonvascular
Medication Administration
• 3 way stopcock and microbore connection tubing helpful
• 15-25 mL of long acting anesthetic such as 0.5% Ropivacaine, 0.25% Bupivacaine, 0.5% Bupivacaine
• Maintain gentle forward pressure of needle
Remove needle
Post-Procedure
Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block Complications
• Intravascular injection resulting in cardiac arrest or seizure
• Bowel or vascular injury
• Infection: discitis
• Bleeding
• Major superior hypogastric plexus block complications uncommon
Additional resources
[1] Pereira K, Morel-Ovalle LM, Taghipour M, Sherwani A, Parikh R, Kao J, Vaheesan K. Superior hypogastric nerve block (SHNB) for pain control after uterine fibroid embolization (UFE): technique and troubleshooting. CVIR Endovasc. 2020 Sep 27;3(1):50. doi: 10.1186/s42155-020-00141-2. PMID: 32886271; PMCID: PMC7474042.
[2] Yoon J, Valenti D, Muchantef K, et al. Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block as Post-Uterine Artery Embolization Analgesia: A Randomized and Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Radiology. 2018;289(1):248-254.
[3] Spencer EB, Stratil P, Mizones H. Clinical and periprocedural pain management for uterine artery embolization. Semin Intervent Radiol. 2013;30(4):354-63.
[4] Rasuli P, Jolly EE, Hammond I, et al. Superior hypogastric nerve block for pain control in outpatient uterine artery embolization. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2004;15(12):1423-9.
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