Intercostal Block And Neurotomy
What is an Intercostal Nerve Block and neurotomy?
The intercostal nerves are the projections from the first 11 thoracic spinal nerves that run along the ribs. Intercostal nerve blocks are used to treat unresolved pain after chest wall surgery, or pain from herpes zoster or shingles, and to diagnose abdominal pain versus abdominal wall pain.
At Atlas Pain Care, local anaesthetic is injected onto a branch of the intercostal nerve, which is located underneath the ribs. The injection reduces inflammation, irritation and/or swelling around the intercostal nerve. This will take around 48 hours to start working.
An X-ray machine/ultrasound is used to help guide us to the correct position for placement of the injection. Once it is confirmed that you have had pain relief with the injection, it can be followed up with radiofrequency lesioning to attain long-term pain relief.
What will happen in the procedure room?
In the procedure room, you will be assisted to position on the procedure table lying on your abdomen with a pillow under your hips and abdomen. An X-ray machine/ultrasound will be used to determine where we should place the needle for your procedure. Medicines will be injected once correct placement has been established with use of X-ray/ultrasound. After the procedure, you will be placed on a trolley and taken to recovery, where you will remain for approximately one hour. Please read our FAQ section to know more about the do's and don'ts prior to and after the procedure.