Effects of radiofrequency thermocoagulation of lumbar sympathetic ganglion in the treatment of neuropathic pain of lower limbs

Objective To study the clinical effect of radiofrequency thermocoagulation of lumbar sympathetic ganglion in the treatment of neuropathic pain of lower extremity. Methods A total of 44 cases of patients with neuropathic pain of lower extremity treated in Linfen People’s Hospital from January 2017 to February 2019 were selected as research objects.They were divided into observation group and control group based on single random equalization method, with 22 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional chemical mutilation, while the observation group was treated with radiofrequency thermocoagulation of lumbar sympathetic nerve. Preoperative and postoperative pain scores, postoperative quality of life scores and preoperative and postoperative skin temperature changes of lower limbs were compared between the two groups. Results There was no significant difference in skin temperature of lower limbs between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05); at 1, 2 and 3 months after treatment, there was a significant difference in skin temperature of lower limbs (P 0.05). VAS pain scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group at 1, 2 and 3 months after treatment (P<0.05). Conclusions Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of lumbar sympathetic nerve can relieve pain of patients with neuropathic pain of lower extremity, which is safe. Key words: Sympathetic ganglion; Radiofrequency thermocoagulation; Lower limbs; Neuropathic pain