ENDOSCOPIC EXTRAPERITONEAL LUMBAR SYMPATHECTOMY

From June 24, 1993, until November 9, 1993, eight sympathectomies were performed by extraperitoneal endoscopy for treatment of Sudeck atroph y. Seventy-five percent of the patients were satisfied with the result of the intervention. A follow-up after 4 months shows that four patie nts are free of pain. Two are satisfied, but some pain remains. In two cases, the intensity of the pain remains unchanged but the character of the pain has changed. This new technique is safe and offers the wel l-known advantages of minimal invasive surgery. Moreover, this endosco pic approach opens perspectives for the exploration of the entire retr operitoneum.