An Interventionalist’s Guide to Performing Abdominopelvic Nerve Blocks

Learning Objectives: Describe the indications for performing nerve blocks within the abdomen and pelvis
Review the clinically relevant anatomy and intervention technique
Highlight the technical challenges and troubleshooting methods
Discuss various complications and post-procedure management

Background: Abdominal and pelvic nerve blocks are minimally invasive procedures that aim to prevent the perception of pain from an offending location. These therapies are often employed in the setting of post-operative pain, refractory chronic pain, or severe acute pain. Their use limits the need for opioid pain management and its inherent risks while providing effective pain management when alternatives are inadequate. Interventional radiologists are often called upon to perform these procedures when imaging expertise is required to locate and block the nerve.

Clinical Findings/Procedure Details: A case-based approach illustrating a variety of abdominal and pelvic nerve blocks will be presented including celiac plexus block, hepatic hilar nerve block, renal hilar block, hypogastric nerve block, pudendal nerve block, ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve blocks, and obturator nerve block.

Conclusion and/or Teaching Points: Abdominal and pelvic nerve blocks are useful tools in the interventional armamentarium to provide adequate pain relief and help improve patients' experiences in interventional radiology.