Download Genitofemoral nerve block injection GHPI1350_05_16_A4

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Patient
Information
Genitofemoral nerve block injection
Introduction
This leaflet provides information on genitofemoral nerve block
injections, which your pain consultant believes may help your
pain.
What is a genitofemoral nerve block?
A mixture of slow release steroid and/or local anaesthetic is
injected onto the genitofemoral nerve. The pain you are
experiencing may be caused by inflammation of your
genitofemoral nerve, which is found in the abdomen and
supplies sensation to the thigh and genitals.
Where is it done?
Most of the procedures are carried out in the Chedworth Suite
at Cheltenham General Hospital. A small number of Dr Kafafy’s
patients will be asked to attend the Day Unit at Gloucestershire
Royal Hospital. A letter with details of your appointment and
instructions will be sent to you by the pain clinic.
On arrival
Reference No.
• A doctor will discuss the procedure with you and ask you to
sign a consent form
• You may be asked to put on a gown
• You will be asked to lie flat on your back
• The area to be injected will be cleaned using antiseptic
• X-ray pictures may be taken, or an ultrasound may be used
for the procedure, to ensure proper positioning
• The consultant will numb the area with local anaesthetic
before doing the nerve block
• You may experience some discomfort, although this is likely
to be short lived.
GHPI1350_05_16
Department
Pain Clinic
Review due
May 2019
Benefits
The purpose of the injection is twofold: to diagnose whether or
not the genitofemoral nerve is involved in causing your pain and
to provide pain relief. Sometimes the pain relief is short lived
and in certain cases the injection is repeated. You may get a
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Patient
Information
period of pain relief that will enable you to increase your activity
levels.
Risks
• In diabetics the steroids may temporarily raise blood sugar
levels
• As with any injection, there is a very slight chance of getting
an infection where the needle is placed. Every effort is made
to avoid this by using a sterile technique
• The injection may take up to 6 weeks to relieve your pain
and for some people, it may not help at all
• Your pain may be worse for a few days. In some cases this
can take up to 2 weeks to return to normal levels
• Unfortunately, no injection is without risk. In a very small
number of patients, there is a risk of damage to tissues in
the area of the injection and, very rarely, a permanent
increase in pain.
Can I take my usual medication?
Take your usual medications in the morning and bring your
medications with you. If you are taking any medication other
than Aspirin to thin the blood (such as warfarin or clopidogrel)
or are diabetic and on medication, you will receive specific
instructions regarding these medications in advance of the
procedure. If this applies to you please contact the Pain Clinic
nurse using the contact details below.
Can I eat and drink?
You may eat and drink as normal unless your pain consultant
advises you otherwise.
How long will I be in hospital?
Although the procedure itself takes 15 to 20 minutes, you will
be given a time to come in for either a morning or afternoon
procedure. Due to the way the theatre lists are organized, you
may have a substantial wait before your injections are done, so
please come prepared for this. After the procedure, you will be
offered a drink and am biscuit and allowed home shortly
afterwards.
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Can I drive home?
Patient
Information
For safety reasons you are asked not to drive on the day of
your procedure, so you will need someone to collect you from
the hospital. It is preferable that you have someone with you for
the rest of the day.
What happens next?
About 6 weeks after your procedure you will either be asked to
telephone our clinical nurse specialists to give a progress
report, or your pain consultant will give you a form to post back
to us. Either way, the next step in your treatment will be
decided according to the amount of benefit you have had from
the injections and any further appointments will be sent to you
in the post. If you are free from pain, you may not be routinely
followed up, but may be left with a 6 month open appointment
instead.
Contact information
Pain Clinic
Tel: 0300 422 2976
Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9:00am to 12:00pm
Tuesday, 1:30pm to 4:00pm
An answering machine will be in operation at all other times.
Website: www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/en/Wards-and
Departments/Departments/Pain-Management/Chroniclong
term-Pain-Service/
For urgent calls please contact your GP or NHS111.
NHS 111
Tel: 111
Content reviewed: May 2016
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