Integrating Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block with Conventional Therapies: Advancements in Chronic Pelvic Pain Management

Abstract

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a complex and debilitating condition affecting a significant proportion of individuals, predominantly women. Conventional therapies, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, often provide limited relief and are associated with significant side effects or patient compliance challenges. Superior hypogastric plexus block (SHPB) has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment for managing refractory CPP, targeting the nerve pathways responsible for pain transmission from the pelvic organs. This review aims to explore the integration of SHPB with conventional therapies to optimize pain management in CPP, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and improving patient quality of life. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, focusing on clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of SHPB in combination with traditional pharmacological treatments (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, antidepressants) and nonpharmacological interventions (physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy).

Keywords: Chronic pelvic pain; multimodal therapy; non-pharmacological therapy; pain management; pharmacological treatment; superior hypogastric plexus block.