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.
