Chemical lumbar sympathectomy revisited: survey of the current practice of vascular surgeons in Scotland

Abstract

The role of chemical lumbar sympathectomy is likely to remain controversial because of the lack of a valid prognostic marker, technical variability, and the fact that it is often used in elderly patients.

Retroperitoneoscopic lumbar sympathectomy: prospective study upon a series of 50 consecutive patients

“…Chemical lumbar sympathectomy under CT guidance may seem like an accurate and safe technique [7] but it may result in very severe complications such as acute cardiogenic shock [8], pelviureteric junction disruption [9], neuralgia, and ureteral damage and paraplegia following inadvertent extradural injection [3]. The role of chemical lumbar sympathectomy is likely to remain controversial because of the lack of a valid prognostic marker, technical variability, and the fact that it is often used in elderly patients [10].…”

Pelviureteric Junction Disruption as a Complication of Chemical Lumbar Sympathectomy

“…Since its introduction In 1949 by Haxton [1] complications of lumbar sympathectomy have been relatively underreported. Radiological imaging via fluoroscopic screening or CT guidance is used routinely to guide the operator dUring needle placement adjacent to the sympathetic chain at the L3 and L4 lumbar vertebra before injection of the irritant/sclerosant [2]. Ureteric damage due to injection appears to be rare [3][4][5][6].…”