The Applied Anatomy of the Abdominal and Pelvic Sympathetic Ganglia

Abstract

The abdominal and pelvic sympathetic nervous system mediates visceral sensation and vasomotor tone to the abdominal organs and vessels, as well as sudomotor, vasomotor, and pilomotor function of the lower extremities. Pain sensation that is sympathetically maintained or mediated can be treated by a targeted block of the abdominal sympathetic ganglia or plexuses. A comprehensive understanding of the relevant physical anatomy and fluoroscopic or sonographic anatomy is a prerequisite for safely and effectively performing a sympathetic blockade.

Keywords: Abdominal aortic plexus, Cancer pain, Celiac ganglion, Celiac plexus, Chronic pain Ganglia, Ganglion impar Ganglion, Inferior hypogastric plexus, Intermesenteric plexus, Mesenteric plexus, Pancreas, Pelvis, Sacrum, Splanchnic nerves, Stomach, Superior hypogastric plexus, Sympathetic block, Sympathetic chain, Thoracolumbar spine.