Chemical lumbar sympathectomy for the treatment of lower limb ischemia

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS). MethodsNiddle puncture was made toward the lateral front of L2 and L3 vertebra in a way similar to lumbar sympathetic block and the position was verified by X-ray before 3～4?ml of 6.7% phenol or anhydrous alcohol was injected. Results 36 patients were treated by CLS in 10 years including 10 cases of Buerger's disease, 4 of Raynaud's disease, 21 cases of arteriosclerosis obliterans, and 1 of Takayasu's disease. Rest pain was relieved in 29 (81%) cases. Ankle-pressure-index increased from 0.47 to 0.58 (P0.05). Neuralgia of the lower limb was complicated in 3 (8%)cases. 31 cases were followed up from 3 months to 9 years. 24 out of the 26 patients experincing immediate post-CLS relief remained asymptomatic, and 2 suffered symptom deterioration necessitating major amputation. ConclusionsCLS is a simple procedure with less complication offering an alternative for the treatment of lower limb ischemia.