Lumbar Sympathectomy - Literature Review

M. Chakova, D. Chernev, P. Kashukeeva, P. Krustev, F. Abedinov

Abstract: Lumbar sympathectomy (LS) is a nerve blocking procedure used as a method of reducing pain and increasing blood flow in the lower limbs, facilitating the recovery of ischemic ulcers, as well as neurological pain and excessive sweating of the feet. In combination with or without vascular reconstruction, the effect is unstable. This is one of the reasons why this method is still controversial and has both supporters and opponents. There is also deficient reliable data from research studies on the effect of LS as the choice of relevant patients is challenging. However, in patients, who had undergone LS, is observed an improvement based on transcutaneous oximetry, ankle-brachial index (ABPI) and feet temperature change.

Keywords: Lumbar sympathectomy, ulcer, ischemia, lower limb