Lumbar sympathetic block is indicated in selected painful ischemic symptoms of lower limbs, in painful syndromes with involvement of sympathetic trunk and in other conditions with dysbalance in sympathetic innervation of lower trunk and lower limbs. The location of lumbar sympathetic system enables its blockade from posterolateral approach. Single-side block can be accomplished from a single puncture site; radiologic verification is not necessary. We performed the block without radiologic assistance in 30 patients during one year. In 29 patients the effect was positive; subsequently, lumbar sympathectomy was performed as an open procedure. The incidence of complication was minimal. Lumbar sympathetic block could be considered as a highly effective diagnostic method.

        Key words: lumbar sympathetic block – posterolateral approach – sympathectomy