The Use of Pulsed Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Pudendal Neuralgia: A Case Series

ObjectivePudendal neuralgia is a recognized cause of chronic pelvic pain. The diagnosis is complex, and there is no consensus on ideal management. Many current methods do not provide adequate relief. Pulsed radiofrequency is a minimally invasive option that has been reported for its use in other neuropathies. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of using transvaginal pulsed radiofrequency for the treatment of pudendal neuralgia and to generate a hypothesis on its efficacy.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of women who were treated with pulsed radiofrequency for chronic pelvic pain owing to pudendal neuralgia between January 2012 and December 2017 at an academic tertiary care centre. (Canadian Task Force Classification II-3).ResultsA total of seven patients were included. The mean age was 43.7 (standard deviation 7.97). The average number of pulsed radiofrequency treatments was 4.43 (range 1–12), and the duration of effect averaged 11.4 weeks (standard deviation 3.09). There were no major or minor complications at the time of procedure or at follow-up visits.ConclusionsPulsed radiofrequency may be an effective and safe treatment option for the management of pudendal neuralgia for women in whom conservative management has not been effective. Future controlled studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.