COMPLICATIONS OF CT GUIDED LUMBAR SYMPATH ICOLYSIS - OWN EXPERIENCE AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Aim: To review the complications of CT guided lumbar sympathicolysis ( CTLS) on the basis of our own experience and the available literature. Methods: 241 CTLS were performed by a standard technique according to Haaga's method. Clinical follow-up revealed 4 serious complications; these were analysed and compared with published cases. Results: Amongs t our patients there were three fibrotic ureter stenoses and one retro peritoneal abscess. Analysis of the serious complications described in the literature indicates that introduction of CT guided lumbar sympat hicolysis has reduced the severity and frequency of complications as c ompared with surgical and ''blind'' procedures. With CTLS, no deaths d ue to the procedure have been reported in the literature. The results indicate that damage to the ureters can be caused by substances used f or the neurolysis. Conclusion: Provided certain safeguards are obeyed, CTLS is a very save treatment. However damage to the ureter may follo w even when the procedure was technically satisfactory. Therefore, son ographic control of the kidneys after three months is recommended.