Lumbar sympathectomy in the treatment of severe lower limb ischaemia in old people.

One hundred and twenty lumbar sympathectomies were performed in 110 old people (over 65 years of age) as the treatment for severe lower limb ischaemia. Only one quarter of the patients benefited from the operation. In nearly half the cases the limb was ultimately amputated. The operative mortality was 7%, with pneumonia the most common cause of death. Age and mild diabetes mellitus had no effect on the result of treatment. Diabetics on insulin, however, derived no benefit from the operation. the degree of severity of the ischaemia, and the location of the arterial occlusion affected the result of treatment.