title: Lumbar radiofrequency sympatholysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors: Department of Anesthesiology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas.
authors: C E
authors: CE
authors: Noe
authors: R F
authors: RF
authors: Haynsworth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D010146:Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D013562:Sympathectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013563:Sympathectomy, Chemical