[Percutaneous lumbar thermal sympathectomy: method, indications and results]

Thermal lumbar sympathectomy has been the method of choice since the 'eighties in the treatment of reflex dystrophy. We are using this method since January 1990. First results are presented and critically analysed. 15 patients who underwent thermal lumbar sympathectomy were examined and interviewed 1 year after treatment. 7 patients reported persisting pain relief, while the remaining 8 did not.