Uterosacral Nerve Ablation (LUNA) in India — Laparoscopic Pelvic Pain Treatment
Uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA) in India costs $2,000–$4,500. Laparoscopic pain pathway interruption for chronic dysmenorrhoea. Book with Gaf Healthcare.
Estimated cost: $2,000 – $4,500 · Average stay: Same day – 1 day
Laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA) involves transecting the uterosacral ligaments close to the cervix to interrupt sensory pain fibres from the uterus, cervix, and proximal adnexa. It is performed for severe central dysmenorrhoea and pelvic pain unresponsive to medical treatment, often combined with operative laparoscopy for endometriosis.
What Is Uterosacral Nerve Ablation?
The uterosacral ligaments carry sensory pain fibres from the uterus and cervix to the spinal cord. LUNA divides these ligaments at their insertion into the posterior cervix using laparoscopic scissors or laser. It is a simpler procedure than presacral neurectomy and can be performed at the same time as endometriosis excision or adhesiolysis. Evidence suggests it provides additional pain relief over endometriosis surgery alone when central dysmenorrhoea is the predominant symptom.
Who Needs LUNA?
Women with central (midline) dysmenorrhoea or non-cyclical pelvic pain unresponsive to NSAIDs and hormonal therapy, who are undergoing laparoscopy for endometriosis or other pelvic pathology and consent to nerve ablation at the same procedure.
LUNA Procedure in India
During laparoscopy for endometriosis or other indication, the uterosacral ligaments are identified arising from the posterior cervix. Using scissors or CO₂ laser, each ligament is divided at its cervical insertion over a 2–3 cm length. Haemostasis is secured. The procedure adds 10–15 minutes to the operative time.
Procedure Steps
- Posterior uterus and uterosacral ligaments visualised laparoscopically
- Uterosacral ligament identified at its cervical insertion
- Ligament divided bilaterally using scissors or laser
- Haemostasis secured
- Combined endometriosis excision performed if indicated
Cost Comparison Worldwide
Country — Range — Savings
--- — --- — ---
India — $2,000 – $4,500 — Save 75–85%
UAE — $3,500 – $7,000 — Save 60–70%
United Kingdom — $7,000 – $15,000 — Baseline
United States — $10,000 – $22,000 — —
LUNA in India costs $2,000–$4,500 as part of a combined laparoscopic procedure — including endometriosis excision and nerve ablation.
Recovery & Follow-up
Recovery is the same as laparoscopic surgery — 1–2 days of hospitalisation and return to light activities within 1 week.
Recovery Tips
- Follow-up at 3 months to assess pain relief
- Combined hormonal therapy may be continued post-operatively to prevent endometriosis recurrence
- Pelvic physiotherapy helps address any residual musculoskeletal component of pelvic pain
Risks & Complications
Risks include ureteric injury (if ligaments are divided too laterally), haemorrhage, incomplete pain relief, and recurrence of dysmenorrhoea. LUNA does not reliably treat non-central (lateral) pain.
Why GAF Healthcare
Gaf Healthcare gynaecologists combine LUNA with endometriosis excision and adhesiolysis where appropriate, providing the most comprehensive single-session treatment of chronic pelvic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective is LUNA for dysmenorrhoea?
LUNA provides significant pain relief in approximately 65–75% of patients with central dysmenorrhoea at 12 months. Evidence for additional benefit over endometriosis excision alone is moderate.
Is LUNA the same as presacral neurectomy?
No — LUNA divides the uterosacral ligaments at the cervix. PSN divides the superior hypogastric plexus anterior to the sacrum. PSN is a more extensive procedure with slightly higher pain relief rates.
Can LUNA be done as a standalone procedure?
Yes, but it is most commonly performed combined with operative laparoscopy for endometriosis or adhesiolysis.
Will I need ongoing pain medication after LUNA?
Most patients reduce or stop analgesia within 1–3 months. A minority requires ongoing hormonal therapy for endometriosis-related pain.
Does LUNA affect bladder function?
Mild transient urinary urgency can occur post-LUNA in a small percentage of patients but generally resolves within weeks.