J Korean Pain Soc.  2001 Dec;14(2):271-275.

The Effect of Lumbar Sympathectomy Using Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in Patients with Buerger's Disease: A case report

• Lim KJ
• Go WS

Abstract

Buerger's disease is a nonatherosclerotic occlusive inflammatory disease of the small and medium arteries, and veins of the distal leg or arm. Percutaneous lumbar sympathectomy is used to lower extremity occlusive vascular disease as well as Buerger's disease. Lumbar sympathectomy improves blood flow and provides pain relief in the lower extremity. We report two cases of lumbar sympathectomy using radiofrequency thermocoagulation in patients with Buerger's disease. After no paresthesia and muscle contracture at 50 Hz, 1 volt and 2 Hz, 3 volts, respectively, radiofrequency lesioning was performed for 90 sec at 80degrees C. After the procedure, both patients showed skin temperature increases greater than 2degrees C on the affected extremity. Both patients received relief from pain and symptoms without complications. We consider that lumbar sympathectomy using radiofrequency thermocoagulation is a safe and effective procedure that can relieve pain in patients with Buerger's disease.

Keyword

Buerger's disease; Lumbar sympathectomy; Radiofrequency thermocoagulation

MeSH Terms

Arm
Arteries
Contracture
Electrocoagulation*
Extremities
Humans
Leg
Lower Extremity
Paresthesia
Skin Temperature
Sympathectomy*
Thromboangiitis Obliterans*
Vascular Diseases
Veins