Lumbar sympathectomy

Lumbar sympathectomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting or clipping the lumbar sympathetic ganglia or trunks. This operation is most often performed to correct foot hyperhidrosis, but sympathectomy is one of the few possibilities to radically and lastingly improve collateral circulation and microcirculation of the extremities. The operation can be performed traditionally with extraperitoneal retroperitoneal access and using endoscopic techniques. Today, specialists predominantly use the endoscopic method, since it is carried out using modern equipment and is less invasive (all intervention is carried out through small incisions).

Lumbar sympathectomy: indications and contraindications

The main indication for lumbar sympathectomy is hyperhidrosis. In addition to it, the operation is carried out with:

• diabetic angiopathy;
• obliterating endarteritis;
• obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities;
• post-thrombophlebitis syndrome;
• varicose veins;
• Raynaud's syndrome.

Contraindications to the procedure are:

• acute infectious disease;
• severe somatic diseases in the stage of decompensation;
• violation of the blood clotting process;
• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• previous retroperitoneal surgery (e.g., some kidney and ureteral interventions)

A relative contraindication to the operation is excess weight due to the difficulty of access.

Preparing for surgery

Preoperative measures include consultation with a surgeon, anesthesiologist, as well as several tests and examinations. Preparing for the operation, it will be necessary to pass a general blood test, urine test, biochemical blood test, coagulogram, determine the blood group and Rh factor. Among the instrumental examinations, the passage of the ECG, chest x-ray are shown. In the presence of concomitant diseases, the doctor may prescribe additional studies and consultations of related specialists.

What the procedure gives

Lumbar sympathectomy reduces the vasoconstrictor effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the vessels, as a result of which blood circulation in the lower extremities improves, and excessive sweating stops as a result of a decrease in the sympathetic innervation of the legs. The most effective operation is considered to be performed simultaneously from both sides.

In the Dobrobut network of medical clinics in Kyiv, a lumbar sympathectomy operation of any level of complexity is performed. Our doctors are some of the best surgeons in Ukraine, which is confirmed by the feedback from grateful clients. We use only modern equipment, provide an individual approach to each patient, and provide quality service. You can find out the actual price of lumbar sympathectomy on the website.

You can get more detailed information on the operation: conditions, cost, terms, etc., or make an appointment with a doctor by calling our call center.

Bibliography

1. Lumbar Sympathetic Block. Last updated, 2021.
2. Lumbar Sympathectomy | Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Published online, June 12, 2020.
3. Michael R. Talcott, Robert P. Marini -Lumbar Sympathectomy. Published online, 2015.
4. Lumbar Sympathectomy. Published online, December 6, 2016