Preliminary experience with transabdominal chemical sympatectomy in arterial occlusion of lower extremities using computerized tomography targeting

Twenty transabdominal unilateral lumbar sympatectomies were performed using a Chiba needle under computerized tomography control. The intervention was made for advanced occlusive disease of the lower extremities, where reconstruction surgery was not possible. Out of nine patients under evaluation, an excellent effect was seen in two, a significant effect in two others, an uncertain effect in another patient while no improvement was seen in four patients. An alcohol solution containing a local long-acting anaesthetic and a contrast medium was used as the blocking agent. The method may be useful even in advanced disease stages and extends the range of diapeutic methods. (author). 4 figs., 8 refs