Pudendal neuralgia

With a pudendal neuralgia, also known as "Alkock's Canal Syndrome", the pain typically occurs instantly when sitting down, while no discomfort is felt in a lying or standing position. Pain in the perineum is on one or both sides and can radiate to varying degrees forwards or backwards. In addition to the pain, other symptoms often occur, such as hesitant emptying of the bladder, frequent urination or irritable bladder, constipation, painful bowel movements or sexual dysfunctions with loss of libido. Pudendal neuralgia is a chronic disease, the pain responds either poorly or not at all to the usual painkillers (analgesics).

Nerve blockade of the pudendal nerve - without CT or MRI

Transvaginal or transrectal palpation and temporary blockade of the nerve are the essential keys to diagnosis. Patients experience a marked sensation of pain when the nerve is palpated. In addition, the Tinel sign is typically positive: a tingling, needle-like experience is perceived along the nerve. Selective nerve blockade of the pudendal nerve can take place during the consultation, without CT or MRT. This nerve block is decisive for the diagnosis and for the choice of the subsequent treatment methods for pain in the pubic region. A positive response to the blockade of the nerve, i.e. the short-term absence of pain, is an important diagnostic indication.

If a Pudendal neuralgia is associated with radiating pain to the buttocks, deep back or legs, it is not an Alkock's canal syndrome, but a so-called sacral radiculopathy.

Surgical decompression and electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve

Since Pudendal neuralgia is based on a kind of contusion to the pudendal nerve or increased pressure, surgical nerve decompression, i.e. relieving the pressure on the pudendal nerve, is the most effective treatment method for this diagnosis. The procedure is performed using a laparoscopic decompression procedure: tiny cameras are used to visualize the fine, sensitive nerve structures and allow minimally invasive, careful surgery. The majority of patients are pain-free after a few months.

If the pudendal nerve is not only squeezed but also injured, for example after surgical intervention, pudendal neuromodulation is the therapy of choice. In this so-called LION procedure (Laparoscopic Implantation of Neuroprothesis), a microstimulator system a few millimetres in size, is placed on the pudendal nerve by laparoscopy in a minimally invasive procedure. The electrical stimulation is controlled by the patient using a remote control and leads to relaxation of the nerve.