Characterization of the Pudendal Nerve with Transvaginal Ultrasonography
University of Virginia
Summary
This is a feasibility study characterizing the ability of transvaginal ultrasonography to identify the pudendal nerve. Today, the pudendal nerve block is typically accomplished through blind landmark techniques, thus limiting its success. To date, there has never been an attempt to determine if the visualization of the pudendal nerve would be possible using transvaginal ultrasound with existing technology; nor to perform this procedure transvaginally with the assistance of ultrasound.
Description
This is a feasibility study characterizing the ability of transvaginal ultrasonography to identify the pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve is a sensory and motor nerve arising from the sacral plexus, innervating the perineum. Anesthesia of the pudendal nerve (pudendal nerve block) is used to assist during obstetrical procedures (forceps delivery, vaginal tear repair), to improve discomfort associated with vaginal delivery when time is not sufficient to place an epidural, and to reduce pain following certain urogynecological surgeries \[1-4\]. Pudendal nerve block is also used to manage chronic…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Scheduled to undergo transvaginal ultrasound at the Fetal Care Center (FCC) or Gynecology clinic * Patients undergoing pelvic floor surgery at either the Main OR or outpatient surgery center at UVA will be included. This includes surgeries performed by surgeons in the Department of OBGYN, Division of Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and includes surgeries for repair of prolapse, urinary incontinence, fistula, urethral diverticulum, or other pelvic floor issues. * \>18 years age * English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: • Refusal to participate
Interventions
- OtherAll subjects-Observation
The sonographer or study team member will scan the lateral vaginal walls (Left and right) directing the probe slightly caudad in direction of the ischial spine (IS). The IS is very echogenic and easily identifiable (bony landmark). Anatomically, the pudendal nerve courses underneath the IS and travels with the vascular bundle of the pudendal artery and pudendal vein. The artery and the vein will be identified using color flow Doppler at the time of the scan. These landmarks, IS, pudendal artery and vein will serve as the basis for the identification of the pudendal nerve.
Location
- University of VirginiaCharlottesville, Virginia