Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Comparison of Ganglion Impar Radiofrequency Ablation and Phenol Neurolysis Techniques for Chronic Coccydynia Treatment
Sponsor: Marmara University
Summary
Radiofrequency ablation and phenol neurolysis of the ganglion impar are methods used in cases unresponsive to medication, particularly in patients who derive short-term or partial relief from the initial ganglion impar block. In clinical practice, clinicians frequently use these two injections in patients with treatment-resistant pain who only partially benefit from the initial blockade procedure. To date, the medical literature lacks a comprehensive study comparing the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation and phenol neurolysis in patients who partially benefit from ganglion impar block. Therefore, this study is designed to compare the effectiveness of these two methods in patients with chronic coccydynia.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2025-07
Completion Date
2026-03
Last Updated
2025-06-17
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Phenol Injection
n patients diagnosed with chronic coccydynia, a ganglion impar block is initially performed following conservative treatment. In cases where this intervention provides limited benefit, ganglion impar phenol neurolysis is performed. A short-acting local anesthetic (3-4 mL of 1% prilocaine) will be administered into the skin and subcutaneous tissues. A 90 mm 22-gauge Quincke-tipped spinal needle will be advanced via the trans-coccygeal route under fluoroscopic guidance with intermittent imaging. The needle's position in the area anterior to the coccyx, where the ganglion impar is located, will be confirmed using 1-2 mL of contrast agent (iohexol). If the desired spread of contrast is observed, 5 mL of 7% phenol will be injected.
Radiofrequency ablation alone
In patients diagnosed with chronic coccydynia, a ganglion impar block is initially performed following conservative treatment. In cases where this intervention provides limited benefit, ganglion impar radiofrequency (RF) ablation-routinely used in clinical practice-will be performed by an experienced pain specialist (SŞ) with at least 10 years of expertise in this procedure. Using fluoroscopic guidance and intermittent imaging, a 100 mm RF cannula with an injection tube will be advanced trans-coccygeally. After confirming the needle's position at the site of the ganglion impar in front of the coccyx with 1-2 mL of contrast agent (iohexol), sensory stimulation will be applied via the RF generator to confirm that the needle tip is at the patient's pain site. Motor stimulation will also be performed to ensure there is no muscle contraction. At this stage, 2 mL of lidocaine will be administered before initiating ablation at 80°C for 90 seconds.
Locations (1)
Marmara University
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)