[Minimal invasive lumbar sympathectomy]

Forty-four lumbar sympathectomies have been made on 42 patients by ROMICRO-set at the authors' department. This method--made by a specially developed lighting retractor system--ensures the same exposure as the traditional approach, but the visibility of the operative field is much better. The costs of the material character are low. Technique of the operation is discussed. Authors have got good experiences: there were no complications, postoperative pain is minimal, the time of the hospitalization is shortened. A special advantage of this new approach is that it can be even made on patients-belonging to ASA IV., and they can be operated on in epidural anesthesia. The authors recommend this new method only for those surgeons who are experienced in the technique of traditional lumbar sympathectomies.