Gözde ÇELİK, Fatemeh FARHAM, Çile AKTAN, Nurten İNAN
Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care - 2026;7(2):323-329
Aims: Chronic perineal pain is a complex and debilitating condition that often shows limited response to conservative treatment modalities. Ganglion impar block (GIB) and caudal epidural steroid injection (CESI) are established interventional techniques; however, clinical data on their combined use are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of performing GIB and CESI concurrently in patients with chronic perineal pain. Methods: This retrospective study included 43 patients who underwent combined GIB and CESI in a single session. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 months after the procedure. Adverse events and the need for repeat interventions were also evaluated. Results: The study population consisted predominantly of female patients (81.4%), with a mean age of 41.79+/-14.10 years. Trauma was the most common pain etiology (62.8%). Median VAS scores decreased significantly from 8 [6-10] at baseline to 0 [0-8] at 3 weeks and to 2 [0-8] at 6 months (p<0.0001). Repeat procedures were required in 18.6% of patients. Procedure-related adverse events were mild and transient, consisting mainly of paresthesia (7.0%) and peripheral edema (2.3%), with no major complications reported. Conclusion: Combined application of GIB and CESI appears to be a safe and effective interventional option for patients with chronic perineal pain, providing clinically meaningful pain relief in the short and mid-term.
