[Our experience of lumbar chemical sympathectomy in arterial occlusive diseases of the lower limbs]. / Expérience de la sympatholyse chimique lombaire dans les artériopathies des membres inférieurs.

ABSTRACT

One hundred and sixty two phenol chemical sympathectomy were achieved from 1982 to 1987. After one month and one year, 92 patients get a lasting improvement. The benefit is better for rest pain relief than for intermittent claudication and skin lesions of legs. Diabetic ischaemic disease increased risk of failure of sympathetic block. Results of chemical sympathectomy are similar to the surgical procedure and the incidence of complications is lower. It is concluded that the neurolytic block will be a satisfying experience in patients with obliterative arterial disease not suitable for vascular surgery.