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. 2021 Jun 11;18(13):2957-2963.
doi: 10.7150/ijms.60962. eCollection 2021.

Factors associated with Successful Responses to Ganglion Impar Block: A Retrospective Study

Chan-Sik Kim  1 , Kyounghwan Jang  1 , Jeong-Gil Leem  1 , Jin-Woo Shin  1 , Doo-Hwan Kim  1 , Seong-Soo Choi  1
Affiliations

Factors associated with Successful Responses to Ganglion Impar Block: A Retrospective Study

Chan-Sik Kim et al. Int J Med Sci. .

Abstract

Background: The ganglion impar (ganglion of Walther) block has been used to manage coccygeal and perineal (perianal and genital) pain due to both benign and malignant causes. However, the factors associated with successful responses to ganglion impar block are unknown. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to identify the independent factors associated with successful responses to ganglion impar block in patients with chronic pain in coccygeal and perineal regions. Methods: From January 2008 to December 2017, we performed a retrospective review of 106 patients who underwent ganglion impar block. Patients were considered successful responders if they reported a decrease of more than 50% or 4 points on the 11-point (0 = no pain and 10 = worst possible pain) numerical rating scale 1 month after the procedure, while others were considered non-responders. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with successful responses at 1 month after the procedure. Results: Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that cancer-related causes were significantly associated with successful responses at 1 month after ganglion impar block (odds ratio = 2.60, 95% confidence interval = 1.05 to 6.43, P = 0.038). Conclusion: Ganglion impar block may be more effective in cancer-related pain than pain due to benign causes.

Keywords: Cancer pain; Coccydynia; Ganglion impar block; Perineal pain.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Fluoroscopic images of the ganglion impar block: transsacrococcygeal approach. (A) Anteroposterior view. The contrast flow in the midline at the upper coccyx. (B) Lateral view. The contrast flow just anterior to the upper coccyx showing comma sign.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Flowchart of the present study. ITMS: information technology of service management.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The proportion of successful responder in cancer-related and non-cancer-related causes.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Odds ratio plot of the explanatory variables included in the multivariable logistic regression analysis for successful responses to ganglion impar block. The red dots and numbers represent actual odds ratios, and the red bars denote 95% confidence intervals.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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