Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment for Testicular Pain

Background

A 46-year-old male presented with left-sided groin and testicular pain, which had been ongoing for several months. The pain was constant and significantly impacted his ability to perform daily activities, particularly bending and exercising. The patient also reported difficulty with sexual intercourse due to the pain, further affecting his quality of life.

Clinical History

The patient had previously consulted with a urology team, who performed extensive investigations, including an ultrasound scan and MRI of the pelvis and testicle. However, no specific pathology was identified that could explain his symptoms. The patient’s general practitioner prescribed anti-neuropathic medications, but these provided no relief and caused unpleasant side effects, prompting the patient to seek alternative treatment options.

Initial Consultation and Diagnosis

The patient was referred to Dr. Krishna at Pain Spa in Bristol for further evaluation of his persistent groin and testicular pain. Dr. Krishna suspected the genitofemoral nerve as the source of the pain and recommended a diagnostic genitofemoral nerve block, performed under ultrasound guidance. The patient experienced significant pain relief following the nerve block, confirming the involvement of the genitofemoral nerve in his symptoms.

Treatment

Patient subsequently underwent pulsed radiofrequency ablation (PRF) of the genitofemoral nerve, a minimally invasive procedure performed under ultrasound guidance by Dr. Krishna. PRF involves delivering intermittent pulses of electrical energy to the affected nerve, modulating the pain signals without affecting its nerve function or causing permanent nerve damage. This approach is particularly useful in treating neuropathic pain, as it disrupts pain signals while preserving normal nerve function.

Outcome

Following the procedure, the patient experienced excellent pain relief, with marked improvements in his ability to engage in physical activities. At his 3-month follow-up, he was delighted with the outcome, reporting complete resolution of his groin and testicular pain. He had regained his ability to exercise, bend, and engage in intercourse without discomfort. At the 6-month review, the patient remained pain-free and was functionally much improved, with no recurrence of symptoms.

Discussion

Pulsed radiofrequency ablation of the genitofemoral nerve is a technically challenging procedure that requires expertise in ultrasound-guided interventions. It offers an effective solution for patients with neuropathic groin/ testicular pain when conservative treatments have failed. The success of the treatment in this case highlights the importance of precise diagnosis and expert application of PRF in managing chronic pain conditions.

Dr. Krishna’s extensive experience in ultrasound-guided procedures, having performed thousands of similar treatments, played a key role in achieving the excellent outcome for this patient.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency ablation for treating genitofemoral nerve-related pain, providing a viable option for patients whose symptoms have been unresponsive to other treatments. The patient’s significant pain relief and functional improvement underscore the potential of this advanced technique in managing chronic neuropathic pain.

For more information or to discuss treatment options, please contact Pain Spa at clinic@painspa.co.uk.

https://www.painspa.co.uk/procedure/genitofemoral-nerve-ablation/