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

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation of the pudendal nerve for the treatment of refractory pudendal neuralgia. 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. 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. CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation may represent a safe and efficacious option for selected patients with refractory pudendal neuralgia. (orig.)