Lumbar sympathectomy in occlusive diseases.

To assess the real value of Lumbar Sympathectomy it is of prime importance to be aware of both the mechanisms of the neurogenic vasomotricity in a normal limb, and the effect of a sympathetic interruption on a normal and arteriopathetic limb. These mechanisms are studied and discussed by means of different vascular functional tests and results of operative procedure. It leads to identify the patients who are likely to respond well to sympathectomy either for distal skin troubles, or for claudication.