• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.196-201
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• 2000

Background: Currently, minimally invasive operations are preferred to open surgery whenever possible. Lumbar sympathectomy using RF (radiofrequency) thermocoagulation is both safe and minimally invasive. The problem with the technique is that it cannot be performed successfully in a significant number of cases. If the temperature change in the sole is monitored immediately after the procedure then it can be determined if the procedure needs to be repeated. Methods: A curved tip cannula, 150 mm long with a 10 mm active tip, was used for RF lumbar sympathectomy. The temperature of the soles of both the foot on the affected side and the foot on the control side was monitored immediately before the procedure, immediately after making the L2 lesion, immediately after making the L3 lesion and at 5, 10, and 15 minutes after the procedure. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed in the temperature of the two soles before making the lesions. In the 24 of the 27 patients, there were prominent differences in temperature between the two soles at 10 minutes after the procedures. 11 of the 24 patients showed a significant temperature change after the first trial. But the remaining 13 required a second lesion on L2 and L3. Conclusions: We judged the success of the operation in the operating room by monitoring the temperature difference in the soles of the feet. When no increase in the temperature difference is observed, we can move the electrode and make another lesion. With this procedure, we can drastically increase the success rate of the procedure.