[Evaluation of the results of lumbar sympathectomy with functional vascular tests. Statistical study (author's...

A series of 100 unselected patients operated on for lumbar sympathectomy were studied by digit plethysmography, thest of hyperemia, rheography, measurement of segmental pressure and dynamic tests, treadmill and Strandness test. Statistical analysis of data showed that isolated lesions of atheroma yield the best result. Increase in walking perimeter and in blood flow (rheographic quotient) were the only parameters showing statistical change. Forecasting of the effect of lumbar sympathectomy by the hyperemia test of Hillestad was confirmed. Other forms of disease : diffuse lesions, lesions of arteries in the legs or due to diabetes were followed by very numerous failures. Lumbar sympathectomy is justified as an isolate procedure for femoral lesions, and associated to reconstructive aorto-iliac surgery whenever the distal runoff consists only of a deep femoral artery.