CT-Guided Pelvic Nerve Block
A minimally invasive procedure that uses CT imaging to guide an anesthetic injection near the pelvic nerves, helping doctors diagnose or treat chronic pelvic pain.
{"Uses CT scan to precisely guide pain-relieving medication to specific nerves","Helps diagnose the source of pelvic pain and provides therapeutic relief","Performed by a radiologist in an outpatient setting with minimal recovery time"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35931-5
- Short code
- CT-PLV-NB
- Synonyms
- CT Guided Pelvis Nerve block
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Not applicable - no specimen collected
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- 2.5 N/A – 6.5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- CT-guided interventional procedure for nerve block placement
- CPT
- 77012
- SNOMED
- 387713003
- Specimen volume
- Not applicable - imaging-guided procedure
- Stability
- Not applicable - no specimen
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is a CT-Guided Pelvic Nerve Block?
A CT-guided pelvic nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that uses computed tomography (CT) imaging to help doctors deliver medication precisely to specific nerves in the pelvic region. The procedure combines a CT scan with a therapeutic injection to either diagnose the source of chronic pelvic pain or provide pain relief.
How Does It Work?
During the procedure, you will lie on a CT scanning table. The CT scanner creates detailed images of your pelvic area to identify the exact location of the target nerves. Once the precise location is identified, your doctor will insert a thin needle and inject a mixture of local anesthetic and sometimes anti-inflammatory medication (such as corticosteroid) near the nerve. The entire procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes.
Why Might You Need This Procedure?
This procedure is commonly used for patients experiencing chronic pelvic pain that has not responded to traditional treatments. It serves two main purposes: diagnostic (to identify which specific nerve is causing the pain) and therapeutic (to provide pain relief by numbing the nerve and reducing inflammation).
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
Before the procedure, your doctor may ask you to fast for a few hours. You will be positioned on the CT table, and the area will be cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort during the needle insertion, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated. After the injection, you will be monitored for a short period. Pain relief may occur immediately or within a few days, depending on the medications used. You should arrange for someone to drive you home and rest for 24 hours.
Risks and Considerations
While generally safe, this procedure carries some potential risks including bleeding, infection, nerve damage, or allergic reaction to the medications. Temporary weakness or numbness in the legs may occur. Serious complications are rare. Discuss any concerns with your doctor before the procedure.
Reference range
Adult: 3.5-5.0 mmol/LN/A
Inform patient of procedure risks and benefits. Ensure empty bladder before procedure. May require discontinuation of anticoagulants per physician order. Remove all metal objects from pelvic region. Confirm pregnancy status in women of childbearing age.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This procedure is significant for patients with refractory chronic pelvic pain syndromes, including conditions such as pudendal neuralgia, ilioinguinal neuralgia, or pain following pelvic surgery. The precise CT guidance allows for targeted treatment that traditional methods cannot achieve, potentially reducing the need for more invasive surgeries. Relief duration varies from weeks to months, and the procedure can be repeated if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the pain relief last?
Is the procedure painful?
How should I prepare for the procedure?
Can I resume normal activities after the procedure?
How many times can I have this procedure?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy