(DLS-032) The clinical effect of the lumbar sympathectomy for diabetic foot

Lei Gao, Doctor; Jiangning Wang, Doctor – Hospital President, Orthopedic Department, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Shijitan Hospital

Introduction: To assess the clinical effect of the chemical lumbar sympathectomy for diabetic foot, compared the VAS scores and skin temperature between pre-operation and post operation

Methods: Forty-two patients with the lower limb intractable cold allodynia and pain were treated by chemical lumbar sympathectomy (CLS) under X-ray guidance, and 2ml contrast agent was injected at 1/3 of second L₂ vertebrae.
Absolute ethyl alcohol was injecting for destroy the sympathetic ganglion after lidocaine performs. The VAS scores and thermograph were used to assess the effect of reliving the pain and improving the arterial perfusion.

Results: The lower limb pain was obviously relieved as shown by decreased VAS scores （4.2±1.2） after CLS. Moreover, according to the thermograph, the skin temperature rose (2.1±0.3℃).

Discussion: Chemical lumbar sympthectomy produces significant effect to improve the arterial perfusion and relieve the rest pain.in diabetic lower limb.Therefore, CLS can reduces the rate of amputation in diabetic foot due to gangrene and severe rest pain.