Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block in Uterine Artery Embolisation Protocols for Symptomatic Fibroids: An Australian Single‐Centre Experience
Nessa Kellegher, Jonathan Kelly, Gillian Kehoe, Kevin Ho, Gurjeet DulkuABSTRACT
Introduction
Assessment of the safety of Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block (SHNB) in uterine artery embolisation (UAE) for symptomatic fibroids.
Method
Retrospective single tertiary centre analysis of patients who underwent UAE with SHNB ( n = 40). Outcomes include assessment of pain scores, overnight stays and complications. A follow‐up phone survey was conducted to assess the women's willingness to undergo the procedure again ( n = 18).
Results
Our cohort achieved a mean post‐procedural pain score of 2.83 using SHNB and our analgesic regimen, with no complications attributed to the block. Most procedures were ambulatory, yielding a 67.5% same‐day discharge rate. Although the low response rate to the follow‐up survey limits generalisability of findings, 88.9% (16/18) of respondents were willing to undergo the procedure again, suggesting patient satisfaction.
Conclusion
This study provides reassuring evidence that superior hypogastric nerve block (SHNB) during uterine artery embolisation (UAE) yields favourable analgesic outcomes and short hospital stays. Notably, no SHNB‐related complications were observed.