MULTIDISCIPLINARY PAIN ABSTRACTS: 37
. Neurosurgery (37)

Over a 9‐year period, 42 patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) (type II) of the upper extremity were referred for sympathectomy. Patients were categorized according to the duration of the symptoms. All patients underwent initial medical treatment; stellate ganglion blocks were performed when symptoms persisted beyond 6 weeks. Patients were referred for thoracoscopic sympathectomy on persistence of the pain syndrome. A visual linear analogue scale was used to evaluate outcome of sympathectomy. The results of the study showed that there was an overall improvement in all 42 patients undergoing sympathectomy. Patients undergoing thoracoscopic sympathectomy had a better outcome than those undergoing open sympathectomy. There were no complications, and the hospital stay was shorter in the thoracoscopic group. It was concluded that early recognition of CRPS and prompt recourse to surgical sympathectomy is a useful option in the management of CRPS.