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Surgery to permanently block nerves in your lower spine.
Sympathetic nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system and control functions such as skin temperature, heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure. Lumbar sympathetic nerves control blood circulation to the legs and feet.
A lumbar sympathectomy is a procedure where the sympathetic nerves are cut, providing permanent pain relief. A similar procedure called a lumbar sympathetic nerve block is a temporary treatment where an injection is given into the lumbar sympathetic nerves to block pain.
Call us on 0141 300 5009 or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private lumbar sympathectomy with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
This page explains what lumbar sympathectomy is, what happens during the procedure, how to prepare for lumbar sympathectomy, and what to expect during your recovery.
A lumbar sympathectomy is normally performed when other treatments such as medication and physiotherapy haven’t worked. It won’t typically be the first treatment tried.
Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They will ask you about your medical history and any previous treatments or surgeries you have had.
To determine whether lumbar sympathectomy is the right treatment for you, your consultant may order tests and scans including:
A diagnosis is made from a combination of your symptoms, physical examination, and the results of your tests and scans.
At Circle Health Group, your first appointment is very important as it's where your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, perform a physical examination, order any necessary tests, provide a diagnosis, and discuss possible treatments.
Your first consultation is also where we get to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment, and encourage you to ask any questions you may have.
It is important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible before, during, and after your procedure, so please ask your consultant any questions you may have.
Your consultant will give you instructions on how to prepare for your lumbar sympathectomy before your procedure. Make sure you understand what you need to do and ask any questions you may have.
To prepare for your lumbar sympathectomy:
Knowing what to expect and being well-prepared for your surgery can help put your mind at rest and reduce any anxiety you may have. Please feel free to ask your consultant any questions and discuss any concerns you may have at any time.
Lumbar sympathectomy is performed under a general anaesthetic meaning you'll be asleep for the procedure.
The procedure is carried out using laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. This is where a flexible camera and instruments are inserted through small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen. Once located, the nerves are cut or cauterised (burnt using heat or chemicals) to permanently block them.
Lumbar sympathectomy normally takes around one to two hours.
You will need to spend one night in hospital and will be able to go home the next day. It is advisable to have someone with you for twenty-four hours after your surgery.
You may have mild pain from your incisions for a few days after your surgery, but your consultant will prescribe pain medications to help with this. Your consultant will advise you on how to keep your incision sites clean. Avoid swimming or taking baths until your consultant tells you it is safe to do so.
You will not be able to drive yourself home from the hospital, or for twenty-four hours after your surgery. You can arrange for someone to come and collect you, or we can order a taxi if you prefer.
How soon you can return to work depends on your recovery and the type of job you do. Your incisions will take about a week to heal after the procedure, and you can expect to be off work for about this time.
After your surgery, you can walk around and carry out light tasks, but avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for about a week after your procedure. Talk to your consultant about when you can expect to return to work after your surgery.
Recovery after lumbar sympathectomy is different for everyone and depends on many factors such as your age, general health, and whether there were any complications during your surgery.
To give yourself the best chance of recovery:
Lumbar sympathectomy is a minimally invasive surgery as it is carried out laparoscopically and no large incisions are made. Recovery is normally much faster than with open surgery and you can expect to be back to normal within one to two weeks. Talk to your consultant about when you can expect to be back to normal after your surgery.
Like all surgery, lumbar sympathectomy carries a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain these to you before your operation and answer any questions you have to allow you to make an informed decision.
General risks of surgery include:
Risks specific to lumbar sympathectomy include:
A lumbar sympathectomy is a surgical procedure where the sympathetic nerves in the lumbar region of the spine are cut or cauterised to permanently disable them. A nerve block is when the nerves are injected with phenol, a hardening agent that reduces pain. A lumbar nerve block typically lasts around nine months.
Lumbar sympathectomy is an effective procedure and studies1 have shown it can improve symptoms of reduced blood supply (ischaemia), inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis), nerve damage caused by diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) and excessive sweating of the legs and feet (hyperhidrosis).
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about lumbar sympathectomy, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in December 2022. Next review due December 2025.