EFFECTIVENESS OF LUMBAR SYMPATHETIC BLOCK IN PATIENTS OF CHRONIC LEG PAIN PRESENTED TO PAIN CLINIC AT A TERTIARY GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL OVER PAST TWO-YEARS: A RETROSPECTIVE AND OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background:Lumbar sympathetic block is used in inoperable peripheral vascular disease. The block acts as a vasodilator by decreasing sympathetic tone and improves tissue oxygenation and helps in ulcer healing. No guidelines exist till date for its use in patients with chronic leg pain and ulcers. The management of patients with unreconstructable distal disease with rest pain has always been difficult. Lumbar sympathetic block helps to abolish this rest pain. Aims and Objectives: 1. To study the effectiveness of lumbar sympathetic block 2. To study the ideal level for needle insertion for 100% success rate. 3. To follow up the patients for 1 week, 4 weeks and 12 weeks for relief of symptoms. 4. To study the safety of the block and note the complications. Materials and Methods: After approval of ethical committee, this retrospective study was conducted from Pain Clinic Records over the past two years. Total number of patients studied were 30 over past 2 years. Data Collection: Demographic Data and VAS score was recorded Preblock walking distance was recorded. CT guided lumbar sympathetic block was given. Results and Conclusion: Lumbar sympathetic block was very useful, safe and effective method to decrease the rest pain in patients presented to pain OPD of our hospital. Follow up for 3 months showed healing of ulcers in some of these patients.