Sacral roots stimulation in chronic pelvic pain.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Management
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Chronic pelvic pain is a complex, multifactorial condition.
• Interventional treatments, including neuromodulation, are options for refractory cases.
• Sacral stimulation is a potential neuromodulation technique for pelvic pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate a minimally invasive sacral roots stimulation technique.
• To assess the efficacy and complication rate of sacral roots stimulation for chronic pelvic pain.

Main Methods:

• Percutaneous electrodes were implanted through the sacral hiatus in nine female patients.
• Patients with chronic pelvic pain were treated with sacral roots stimulation.
• Efficacy and complications were evaluated through short-term and long-term follow-up.

Main Results:

• Short-term pain relief was significant (median VAS 9 to 2, p=0.001).
• Symptom improvement persisted at 6 months (median VAS 3, p=0.043) but waned by 12 months (median VAS 6).
• A high complication rate (3/9 patients) was observed, primarily due to infection.

Conclusions:

• Sacral roots stimulation is a minimally invasive neuromodulation option for chronic pelvic pain.
• While effective short-term, long-term efficacy may be limited.
• Strict aseptic protocols are essential to prevent infection and system removal.