NCT07356102

Conventional Versus High-Voltage Long-Duration Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Pudendal Nerve

Comparing Conventional and High-Voltage Long-Duration Pulsed Radiofrequency Applied to the Pudendal Nerve in the Treatment of Pudendal Neuralgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 38 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Ankara City Hospital Bilkent · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study is a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluating two types of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment for patients with pudendal neuralgia. Pudendal neuralgia is a chronic neuropathic pain affecting the perineum and pelvic area, often causing significant discomfort and reduced quality of life. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either conventional PRF or high-voltage long-duration PRF applied to the pudendal nerve. The study aims to compare the clinical effectiveness, pain relief, and safety of the two treatment approaches. Participants will be monitored for pain improvement, functional outcomes, and any treatment-related side effects. The study follows standard clinical procedures and all treatments are performed under sterile conditions with proper monitoring to ensure patient safety.

Detailed description

This single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to compare the clinical effectiveness and safety of conventional pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) versus high-voltage long-duration PRF applied to the pudendal nerve in patients with pudendal neuralgia. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups. Conventional PRF will be applied at 42°C for 360 seconds, while high-voltage long-duration PRF will be applied at 42°C for up to 900 seconds, with voltage titrated from 40V to a patient-tolerated maximum of 90V. All procedures are performed under sterile conditions in an operating room with patient monitoring (blood pressure, pulse, ECG, and oxygen saturation). Patients will be assessed for pain intensity, functional improvement, and adverse effects at scheduled follow-up visits. Bilateral symptoms will be treated sequentially if present. The study adheres to standard clinical safety procedures and no additional risk beyond routine clinical care is anticipated.

Conditions

• Pudendal Neuralgia

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Intervention Type * Select the type of intervention. Procedure / Surgery Intervention Name * Enter a brief, descriptive name for the intervention. Use a non-proprietary (generic) name, if available	Conventional pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is applied to the pudendal nerve at 42°C for 360 seconds, with a pulse frequency of 2 Hz and pulse width of 20 ms. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions in the operating room with patient monitoring (blood pressure, pulse, ECG, oxygen saturation). Patients are positioned prone, the target site is sterilized, and the PRF needle is placed under fluoroscopic guidance. Bilateral symptoms are treated sequentially if present.
PROCEDURE	High-Voltage Long-Duration Pulsed Radiofrequency	High-voltage long-duration pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is applied to the pudendal nerve at 42°C for 900 seconds, with a pulse frequency of 2 Hz and pulse width of 20 ms. The voltage is titrated from 40V to a patient-tolerated maximum of 90V. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions in the operating room with patient monitoring (blood pressure, pulse, ECG, oxygen saturation). Patients are positioned prone, the target site is sterilized, and the PRF needle is placed under fluoroscopic guidance. Bilateral symptoms are treated sequentially if present.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-02-19
• Primary completion: 2026-12-01
• Completion: 2026-12-01
• First posted: 2026-01-21
• Last updated: 2026-01-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)