C E Noe1, R F Haynsworth. 1. Department of Anesthesiology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to present a modified technique for lumbar radiofrequency sympatholysis and to compare the results with chemical sympatholysis. METHODS: Eight patients underwent the percutaneous procedure on an outpatient basis. Sympatholysis was produced with a radiofrequency lesion generator according to distinct anatomic criteria. RESULTS: Six of eight patients met previously used criteria for sympatholysis 8 weeks after the procedure. Postsympatholytic neuralgia occurred transiently in 50% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The technique produces sympatholysis comparable to that produced by phenol 6%, while it theoretically avoids the risk of neurologic deficits associated with chemical agents. The technique may be useful in patients for whom surgical sympathectomy is undesirable.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to present a modified technique for lumbar radiofrequency sympatholysis and to compare the results with chemical sympatholysis. METHODS: Eight patients underwent the percutaneous procedure on an outpatient basis. Sympatholysis was produced with a radiofrequency lesion generator according to distinct anatomic criteria. RESULTS: Six of eight patients met previously used criteria for sympatholysis 8 weeks after the procedure. Postsympatholytic neuralgia occurred transiently in 50% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The technique produces sympatholysis comparable to that produced by phenol 6%, while it theoretically avoids the risk of neurologic deficits associated with chemical agents. The technique may be useful in patients for whom surgical sympathectomy is undesirable.