Dorsal Root Ganglion Block/Transforaminal Epidural

A DRGB/TFE doesn’t require a general anaesthetic. Your anaesthetist will give you a local anaesthetic, which means you’ll be awake but won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

Here’s what’ll happen during the DRGB/TFE:

1. You’ll be connected to monitoring equipment to measure your heart rate, blood pressure, and the oxygen content of your blood.

2. A needle or ‘drip’ will be placed in a vein, usually in the back of your hand.

3. You’ll be asked to lie down in a comfortable position.

4. Your skin around the injection site will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. 

5. Local anaesthetic will be injected into your skin. 

6. When your skin is numb, a needle containing the medication will be inserted very slowly and carefully. You may feel pressure or tightness. It’s important to let your orthopaedic surgeon know if you have any discomfort.

7. Once the needle is in the correct place, a single dose of medication will be injected. 

8. The needle will be removed.

9. You’ll be positioned in a way to make you as comfortable as possible while you recover from the anaesthetic. 

The procedure should take around 30 minutes. Afterwards, you’ll be taken to our recovery pods to recover. You’ll be carefully supervised for a few hours by your dedicated nurse. Your consultant will then determine when you’re ready to go home.

A DRGB/TFE is a very commonly performed procedure. But, as with all medical procedures, there are some risks. 

Side effects that are minor and occur quite frequently include:

• bruising of the skin and under the surface

• a drop in blood pressure

• nausea or sickness

• mild to moderate discomfort

• a feeling of heaviness and difficulty in moving your legs

Rare and extremely uncommon complications include:

• difficulty passing urine

• severe headache

• difficulty breathing

• blood clot

• infection

• pain

• nerve damage and weakness

• disturbance of other body hormones

Your consultant will tell you about any preparation you’ll need to do in the days leading up to your surgery. 

You will:

• be asked not to eat (this includes chewing gum) or drink for 6 hours before your procedure. If you do, it may need to be delayed or rescheduled

• need to arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure, as you won’t be able to drive immediately

You may:

• be asked to stop taking certain medications. It’s important to tell your consultant about any medications you’re taking, including any over-the-counter painkillers

• need imaging tests before your procedure, which may include an ultrasound, X-ray or an MRI scan

You should be able to walk as usual after your procedure. 

It may take a few days to notice the pain-relieving effects of the DRGB/TFE. In the days after your procedure, you may have soreness or aching around the injection site. Your consultant will give you tailored advice on how to manage any pain. Instructions may include taking over-the-counter painkillers.

You should increase your exercise gradually, while avoiding anything too strenuous for the first few weeks. Your consultant may give you a list of exercises to follow to aid your recovery.

When you can return to work will depend on what kind of job you do — your consultant will discuss the best option for you. They’ll also let you know if you need to attend any follow-up appointments.

Please contact our Pain Medicine centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our pain medicine consultants and spinal surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a dorsal root ganglion block/transforaminal epidural, you must be referred by either your GP or a consultant following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck consultant, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.