J Korean Soc Vasc Surg.  2001 Nov;17(2):238-241.

Lumbar Sympathectomy in Patients with Threatened Limb Ischemia

• Kim SC
• Kwon TW
• Cho YP
• Kim HS
• Kim GE

Abstract

PURPOSE: Lumbar sympathectomy has been performed in critical lower limb ischemia patients who have no reconstructable arteries. However, much controversy still persists over the its physiologic & clinical effects. This study was performed to determine the value of lumbar sympathectomy as a treatment modality. METHOD: A consecutive series of 35 patients who underwent lumbar sympathectomy during October 1995 and February 1999 were included in this study, and clinical, angiographic and postoperative results were evaluated. RESULT: The limb salvage rate was obtained in 85.7% (30/35) of the cases. Morbidity was 8.6% (3/35) and there were no mortality. Prevention of major amputation was achieved in a significant percentage of patients who received lumbar sympathectomy. Sympathectomy was carried out in long segment and was confirmed by frozen biopsy intraoperatively.
CONCLUSION
Lumbar sympathectomy is a valuable procedure for prevention of major amputation in critical limb ischemia patients who have no reconstructable arteries.

Keyword

Ischemia; Limb salvage; Sympathectomy

MeSH Terms

Amputation
Arteries
Biopsy
Extremities*
Humans
Ischemia*
Limb Salvage
Lower Extremity
Mortality
Sympathectomy*