AnesthesiaNCT06021782
Characterization of the Pudendal Nerve With Transvaginal Ultrasonography
An observational study of Anesthesia, run by University of Virginia at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
This is a feasibility study characterizing the ability of transvaginal ultrasonography to identify the pudendal nerve. Today, the pudendal nerve block is typically accomplished through blind landmark techniques, thus limiting its success. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Anesthesia
- What is being tested?
- All subjects-Observation
- How many people
- 24 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 13 May 2021to Dec 2027
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Patient scheduled to undergo transvaginal ultrasound at the Fetal Care Center (FCC) or Gynecology clinic. Or patients undergoing pelvic floor surgery at either the Main OR or outpatient surgery center at UVA will be included. This includes surgeries performed by surgeons in the Department of OBGYN, Division of Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and includes surgeries for repair of prolapse, urinary incontinence, fistula, urethral diverticulum, or other pelvic floor issues.
Who may be able to join
- Scheduled to undergo transvaginal ultrasound at the Fetal Care Center (FCC) or Gynecology clinic
- Patients undergoing pelvic floor surgery at either the Main OR or outpatient surgery center at UVA will be included. This includes surgeries performed by surgeons in the Department of OBGYN, Division of Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and includes surgeries for repair of prolapse, urinary incontinence, fistula, urethral diverticulum, or other pelvic floor issues.
- >18 years age
- English-speaking
Who cannot join
- Refusal to participate
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903
About this study
This is a feasibility study characterizing the ability of transvaginal ultrasonography to identify the pudendal nerve. Today, the pudendal nerve block is typically accomplished through blind landmark techniques, thus limiting its success. To date, there has never been an attempt to determine if the visualization of the pudendal nerve would be possible using transvaginal ultrasound with existing technology; nor to perform this procedure transvaginally with the assistance of ultrasound.
Read the detailed description
This is a feasibility study characterizing the ability of transvaginal ultrasonography to identify the pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve is a sensory and motor nerve arising from the sacral plexus, innervating the perineum. Anesthesia of the pudendal nerve (pudendal nerve block) is used to assist during obstetrical procedures (forceps delivery, vaginal tear repair), to improve discomfort associated with vaginal delivery when time is not sufficient to place an epidural, and to reduce pain following certain urogynecological surgeries [1-4]. Pudendal nerve block is also used to manage chronic pain associated with pudendal neuralgia [5]. Today, the pudendal nerve block is typically accomplished through blind landmark techniques, thus limiting its success [6-7]. More recently, efforts have been made to attempt this procedure with ultrasound from a more external approach transglutially, however this method requires high level of technical skill and is associated with high failure rate when compared to a blind landmark technique [8-10]. Other methods of accomplishing pudendal nerve blocks include the use of fluoroscopy. However, these renders the procedure more costly and subjects the patient to the inherent risk of radiation [11]. To date, there has never been an attempt to determine if the visualization of the pudendal nerve would be possible using transvaginal ultrasound with existing technology; nor to perform this procedure transvaginally with the assistance of ultrasound.
- Conditions
- Anesthesia
- Being tested
- All subjects-Observation
- Keywords
- pudendal nerve
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
All subjects-ObservationOther
The sonographer or study team member will scan the lateral vaginal walls (Left and right) directing the probe slightly caudad in direction of the ischial spine (IS). The IS is very echogenic and easily identifiable (bony landmark). Anatomically, the pudendal nerve courses underneath the IS and travels with the vascular bundle of the pudendal artery and pudendal vein. The artery and the vein will be identified using color flow Doppler at the time of the scan. These landmarks, IS, pudendal artery and vein will serve as the basis for the identification of the pudendal nerve.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| All subjects | Patients scheduled to have their transvaginal ultrasound for medical reasons at the fetal care center and gynecology clinic will be asked to participate in this study. Also, patients undergoing pelvic floor surgery at either the Main OR or outpatient surgery center at UVA will be asked to participate. Receives: Other: All subjects-Observation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Observing the Pudendal Nerve
We will use this study to determine if we can use transvaginal ultrasound to visualize the pudendal nerve through transvaginal ultrasound.
Measured: day of study participate (1 day per participant)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Sep 2023
- Study start13 May 2021
- Primary completionDec 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for AnesthesiaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of VirginiaThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Virginia
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Monique Vaughan, MD, University of Virginia
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06021782
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HSR22513
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 26 Aug 2023
- Last updated
- 25 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
KOBAK AJ, EVANS EF, JOHNSON GR. Transvaginal pudendal nerve block; a simple procedure for effective anesthesia in operative vaginal delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1956 May;71(5):981-9. No abstract available.
PubMed 13313599Langhoff-Roos J, Lindmark G. Analgesia and maternal side effects of pudendal block at delivery. A comparison of three local anesthetics. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1985;64(3):269-72. doi: 10.3109/00016348509155127.
PubMed 3893025Arslan M, Yazici G, Dilek U. Pudendal nerve block for pain relief in episiotomy repair. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2004 Nov;87(2):151-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2004.06.020. No abstract available.
PubMed 15491563Nikpoor P, Bain E. Analgesia for forceps delivery. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Sep 30;9(9):CD008878. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008878.pub2.
PubMed 24085633
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Characterization of the Pudendal Nerve With Transvaginal Ultrasonography
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06021782
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HSR22513
- Conditions
- Anesthesia
- Keywords
- pudendal nerve
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of VirginiaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 May 2021 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Dec 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 1 Sep 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This is a feasibility study characterizing the ability of transvaginal ultrasonography to identify the pudendal nerve. Today, the pudendal nerve block is typically accomplished through blind landmark techniques, thus limiting its success. To date, there has never been an attempt to determine if the visualization of the pudendal nerve would be possible using transvaginal ultrasound with existing technology; nor to perform this procedure transvaginally with the assistance of ultrasound.
Detailed description
This is a feasibility study characterizing the ability of transvaginal ultrasonography to identify the pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve is a sensory and motor nerve arising from the sacral plexus, innervating the perineum. Anesthesia of the pudendal nerve (pudendal nerve block) is used to assist during obstetrical procedures (forceps delivery, vaginal tear repair), to improve discomfort associated with vaginal delivery when time is not sufficient to place an epidural, and to reduce pain following certain urogynecological surgeries [1-4]. Pudendal nerve block is also used to manage chronic pain associated with pudendal neuralgia [5]. Today, the pudendal nerve block is typically accomplished through blind landmark techniques, thus limiting its success [6-7]. More recently, efforts have been made to attempt this procedure with ultrasound from a more external approach transglutially, however this method requires high level of technical skill and is associated with high failure rate when compared to a blind landmark technique [8-10]. Other methods of accomplishing pudendal nerve blocks include the use of fluoroscopy. However, these renders the procedure more costly and subjects the patient to the inherent risk of radiation [11]. To date, there has never been an attempt to determine if the visualization of the pudendal nerve would be possible using transvaginal ultrasound with existing technology; nor to perform this procedure transvaginally with the assistance of ultrasound.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| All subjects | – | Other: All subjects-ObservationPatients scheduled to have their transvaginal ultrasound for medical reasons at the fetal care center and gynecology clinic will be asked to participate in this study. Also, patients undergoing pelvic floor surgery at either the Main OR or outpatient surgery center at UVA will be asked to participate. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Patient scheduled to undergo transvaginal ultrasound at the Fetal Care Center (FCC) or Gynecology clinic. Or patients undergoing pelvic floor surgery at either the Main OR or outpatient surgery center at UVA will be included. This includes surgeries performed by surgeons in the Department of OBGYN, Division of Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and includes surgeries for repair of prolapse, urinary incontinence, fistula, urethral diverticulum, or other pelvic floor issues.
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Scheduled to undergo transvaginal ultrasound at the Fetal Care Center (FCC) or Gynecology clinic
- Patients undergoing pelvic floor surgery at either the Main OR or outpatient surgery center at UVA will be included. This includes surgeries performed by surgeons in the Department of OBGYN, Division of Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and includes surgeries for repair of prolapse, urinary incontinence, fistula, urethral diverticulum, or other pelvic floor issues.
- >18 years age
- English-speaking
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Refusal to participate
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| All subjects-ObservationThe sonographer or study team member will scan the lateral vaginal walls (Left and right) directing the probe slightly caudad in direction of the ischial spine (IS). The IS is very echogenic and easily identifiable (bony landmark). Anatomically, the pudendal nerve courses underneath the IS and travels with the vascular bundle of the pudendal artery and pudendal vein. The artery and the vein will be identified using color flow Doppler at the time of the scan. These landmarks, IS, pudendal artery and vein will serve as the basis for the identification of the pudendal nerve. | Other | All subjects |
Primary outcome
Observing the Pudendal Nerve
Time frame: day of study participate (1 day per participant)
We will use this study to determine if we can use transvaginal ultrasound to visualize the pudendal nerve through transvaginal ultrasound.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 13313599KOBAK AJ, EVANS EF, JOHNSON GR. Transvaginal pudendal nerve block; a simple procedure for effective anesthesia in operative vaginal delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1956 May;71(5):981-9. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 3893025Langhoff-Roos J, Lindmark G. Analgesia and maternal side effects of pudendal block at delivery. A comparison of three local anesthetics. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1985;64(3):269-72. doi: 10.3109/00016348509155127.
- Background: PubMed 15491563Arslan M, Yazici G, Dilek U. Pudendal nerve block for pain relief in episiotomy repair. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2004 Nov;87(2):151-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2004.06.020. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 24085633Nikpoor P, Bain E. Analgesia for forceps delivery. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Sep 30;9(9):CD008878. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008878.pub2.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Anesthesia, run by University of Virginia at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Observing the Pudendal Nerve (time frame: day of study participate (1 day per participant)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06021782, which also lists 4 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Sep 2026.