title: Lumbar sympathectomy in obliterative arteriosclerosis. Should it still be performed?
abstract: During the years 1967-1976, bilateral lumbar sympathectomy was performed in 241 patients with arteriosclerotic occlusions. A questionnaire was completed by 137 patients. Of the total, 68% seem to have improved in some way postoperatively. The material was analyzed with regard to age, sex, diabetes and regarding the effects on pregangrene, established gangrene, amputation, claudication and skin temperature. The operative mortality was 2.1% and postoperative complications were few. Bilateral operation in one stage does not give a higher postoperative mortality than unilateral procedures. Postoperative side-effects, such as neuritic pains, sexual and urological dysfunctions, are considered. Bilateral lumbar sympathectomy still seems to be an alternative procedure, which may be offered some patients with marginal peripheral circulation, when reconstructive arterial surgery is not feasible.
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D009443:Neuritis / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000150:complications; D013562:Sympathectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000209:etiology