Lumbar sympathectomy has been employed for over 75 years for the treatment of a variety of painful and circulatory conditions in the lower extremities. Chemical sympathectomy decreased the need for open surgical sympathectomy with less morbidity and mortality but still has risks and complications that can be catastrophic. The development of precise neurolysis with radiofrequency lesioning significantly decreased the risks of sympathectomy with results comparable to chemical and surgical neuroablation. Radiofrequency sympathectomy also allows repeat procedures without the risk of distorting the original anatomy.
Percutaneous radiofrequency lumbar sympathectomy
Techniques in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management, Volume 8, Issue 1, Pages 53-56