[Complications of CT guided lumbar sympathectomy: our own experiences and literature review].
OBJECTIVE
To review the complications of CT guided lumbar sympathicolysis (CTLS) on the basis of our own experience and the available literature.


METHODS
241 CTLS were performed by a standard technique according to Haaga's method. Clinical follow-up revealed 4 serious complications; these were analysed and compared with published cases.


RESULTS
Amongst our patients there were three fibrotic ureter stenoses and one retroperitoneal abscess. Analysis of the serious complications described in the literature indicates that introduction of CT guided lumbar sympathicolysis has reduced the severity and frequency of complications as compared with surgical and "blind" procedures. With CTLS, no deaths due to the procedure have been reported in the literature. The results indicate that damage to the ureters can be caused by substances used for the neurolysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Provided certain safeguards are obeyed, CTLS is a very save treatment. However damage to the ureter may follow even when the procedure was technically satisfactory. Therefore, sonographic control of the kidneys after three months is recommended.
Ernst
S
S
Institut und Poliklinik für Radiologische Diagnostik, Universität zu Köln. Stefan.Ernst@rs1.rrz.uni-koeln.de
Heindel
W
W
Fischbach
R
R
Gawenda
M
M
Langen
H J
HJ
Neubauer
S
S
Krahe
T
T
D000038:Abscess / Q000453:epidemiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013562:Sympathectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000453:epidemiology
Komplikationen der CT-gesteuerten lumbalen Sympathikolyse: Eigene Erfahrungen und Literaturübersicht.