Endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a neurological syndrome that usually affects one or more extremities, and can cause chronic pain and permanent deformities. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy (ETS) in the treatment of pain in patients with CRPS stage II and III operated on in our clinic. Seven patients (four males and three females; mean age 34.7 years; American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 and 3; post-operative follow-up from 5 to 49, mean 33.6 months), with diagnoses of CRPS type I and II, stages II and III, were operated on as outpatients. The sympathetic chain was severed over the ribs from T2 to T5, along with the communicating rami of these segments, including the Kuntz nerve. The ETS was performed bilaterally in four patients. Pain was assessed using a visual analogic scale (VAS) from 0 to 10. Pain disappeared in all patients operated on during rest (VAS = 0). Four patients reported pain during repeated movement of the affected limb, the intensity being lower than before surgery (mean VAS = 2.62 vs 8.46). Analgesics were no longer needed after surgery. All patients had their quality of life improved. According to the present investigation, ETS, as described, was efficient for the relief of pain and improvement of the quality of life in patients with CRPS stage II and III.