OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS) on relieving refractory pain in the lower limbs.

METHODSTwenty-four patients with refractory pain in the lower limbs underwent CLS under X-ray guidance, and 2 ml contrast agent was injected at 1/3 of the second L2 vertebrae (the L2 sympathetic ganglion). Lidocaine was then injected followed by injection of 7% phenol for performing CLS. The visual analog scale was used to assess the pain severity before and after CLS. The effect of CLS on relieving lower limb pain was compared with that of oral pain-relieving medication.

RESULTSThe lower limb pain was obviously relieved as shown by significantly decreased VAS scores in these patients after CLS. CLS exhibited a much more potent effect of pain relief in the lower limbs than the oral medication.

CONCLUSIONCLS produces significant analgesic effects to relieve refractory pain in the lower limbs.