Procedure & Treatment Library

Pulsed Radiofrequency Neurotomy

What is Pulsed Radiofrequency Neurotomy?

Prior to the Procedure

What Will Happen?

  1. You will be admitted to the day surgery by a nurse and you will be asked to change into a gown.
  2. The anaesthetist will speak with you and place a cannula (plastic needle) into a vein in your hand.
  3. In the procedure room, you will be assisted to position on the procedure table on your abdomen with a pillow under your hips and abdomen.
  4. The anaesthetist will give you some sedation into your vein.
  5. An X-ray machine will be used to determine where the doctor will place the needle for your procedure. The entire procedure will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
  6. Once correct placement has been achieved using X-ray guidance, nerve testing will take place. You will be asked to let the staff know when you feel a tingling sensation (sensory stimulation). It is very important that you let the staff know as soon as you feel this sensation.
  7. On completion of sensory stimulation, pulsed radiofrequency will commence. You may experience a faint sensation or some muscle contraction which is normal. You should not experience any pain. This radiofrequency will take around 2 minutes to complete.
  8. After the procedure, you will be placed on a trolley and taken to recovery, where you will remain for approximately 1 hour.
  9. After having something to eat and drink, you will be discharged with a carer.

Post Procedure

If you require further explanation of the procedure, please contact Hunter Pain Clinic nursing staff on (02) 4985 1800.

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