Lumbar radiofrequency sympatholysis.
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.
Noe
C E
CE
Department of Anesthesiology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas.
Haynsworth
R F
RF
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