Anatomic study of lumbar sympathetic nerve for endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study systematically regional anatomy of lumbar sympathetic trunk to provide anatomic information for endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy (VALLS). Method The anatomy of the lumbar sympathetic trunk and its relationship with neighboring structures were studied in 128 sides of adult cadavers, and it was substantiate in 13 cases of endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy. Results (1) The location, shape and number of the sympathetic ganglia were quite variable. The number varied from 1 to 6 on one side. (2) It was found that the lumbar sympathetic trunk split into 2-3 branches at the distal portion. (3) Lumbar arteries were all located under the lumbar sympathetic trunk and the lumbar veins situated superior to the trunk in 68.42%±4.35% of instance. (4) Genitofemoral nerve was found to pierce the psoas muscle at the level of 2nd to 4th vertebra or its intervertebral discs. It was only 0.81±0.48 cm away from the medial rim of the psoas muscle. (5) Distance between ureter- iliac vessel junction and the lateral edge of the psoas muscle was 3.36±0.59 cm on the left side, and 3.41±0.59 cm on the right side. (6) A report of the experience of our 13 VALLS was presented. Conclusions Because of great variation and complicated anatomic relation between lumbar sympathetic trunk with its neighboring structures, familiarity to the anatomy of the retroperitoneal space is cracial for a successful minimal invasive laparoscopic lumbar sympathectomy.