J Korean Pain Soc.  1995 Nov;8(2):374-377.

The Clinical Experiences and Complications of Percutaneous Neurolysis of Upper Thoracic Sympathetic Ganglion by Using Ethylalcohol: A report of three cases

• Kwon OH
• Kim JI
• Ban JS
• Min BW

Abstract

Percutaneous neurolysis of upper thoracic sympathetic ganglion was performed by simultaneously injecting 3ml of pure alcohol into the T2, and T3; levels after testng with same amount of local anesthetics on the same sites. We experienced poor sympatholytic effect or intercostal neuritis and Horner's Syndrome as the result of complication of thoracic sympathetic ganglion block. In Case l, in spite of the good testing result, neurolytic block effect was poor. In Case 2, intercostal neuritis occurred, but neuralgia subsided within 3 weeks. In Case 3, Horners Syndrome occurred for 1 day. To increase the success rate of block and decrease the incidence of complications, good radio-opaque dye appearance and good test block effect should be obtained.

Keyword

Percutaneous neurolysis of upper thoracic ganglion; Intercostal neuritis; Horner's syndrome

MeSH Terms

Anesthetics, Local
Ganglia, Sympathetic*
Horner Syndrome
Incidence
Neuralgia
Neuritis
Sympatholytics
Anesthetics, Local
Sympatholytics