Korean J Pain.  2005 Dec;18(2):263-266. 10.3344/kjp.2005.18.2.263.

Stereotactic Neurotomy of the Ganglion Impar through the Sacrococcygeal Junction in Cancer-Related Perianal Pain: A case report

• Kim KS
• Ko HH
• Hwang SM
• Lim SY
• Hong SY
• Shin KM

• KMID: 2278004
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2005.18.2.263

Abstract

The ganglion impar is a solitary retroperitoneal structure at the caudal end of the paravertebral sympathetic chain. Block of this ganglion has been advocated as a means of managing intractable perineal pain. In 1990, Plancarte et al performed a neurolytic block of the ganglion impar using 4-6 ml of 10% phenol through the intergluteal skin over the anococcygeal ligament. However, technical difficulties are encountered with the placement of the needle while performing this technique, with complications from the injection of phenol also being a possibility. In 1995, a modified approach for blocking the ganglion impar through the sacrococcygeal ligament was introduced by Wemm and Saberski. We used a radiofrequency (RF) lesion generator to create a controlled and localized lesion with a lower incidence of neural damages compared to chemical neurolysis. RF thermocoagulation of the ganglion impar through the sacrococcygeal ligament was performed on a 70-year-old male patient with constant anal pain using a curved TEW electrode. The patient has been relieved of his pain, without serious complication. Therefore, this technique may be an easier and safer approach, which is associated with fewer chances of complications.

Keyword

anal pain; ganglion impar; sacrococcygeal ligament; thermocoagulation

MeSH Terms

Aged
Electrocoagulation
Electrodes
Ganglion Cysts*
Humans
Incidence
Ligaments
Male
Needles
Nerve Block
Phenol
Skin
Phenol