The Clinical Experiences and Complications of Percutaneous Neurolysis of Upper Thoracic Sympathetic Ganglion by Using Ethylalcohol -A report of three cases-

알코올을 이용한 흉부교감신경절차단술에 대한 임상경험 및 합병증 -증례 보고-

Percutaneous neurolysis of upper thoracic sympathetic ganglion was performed by simultaneously injecting 3 ml of pure alcohol into the $T_2$ and $T_3$ levels after testng with same amount of local anesthetics on the same sites. We experienced poor sympatholytic effect or intercostal neuritis and Horner's Syndrome as the result of complication of thoracic sympathetic ganglion block. In Case 1, in spite of the good testing result, neurolytic block effect was poor. In Case 2, intercostal neuritis occurred, but neuralgia subsided within 3 weeks. In Case 3, Horner's Syndrome occurred for 1 day. To increase the success rate of block and decrease the incidence of complications, good radio-opaque dye appearance and good test block effect should be obtained.