Successful lumbal sympathetic block as an alternative therapy for improving Buerger's disease: A rare case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Buerger's disease is an inflammation of blood vessels that is strongly related to smoking habits. Lumbal sympathetic block is one kind of lumbal sympathectomy intervention that is used to manage chronic pain, including Buerger's disease. In this case report, we present the case of a Buerger's disease patient treated with a lumbal sympathetic block procedure. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old male was referred to our emergency room with chronic pain and ulcers on his left foot. He had already undergone two debridement procedures at his previous hospital without any improvement. After a comprehensive assessment, our cardio-thoracic specialist chose to refer the patient to undergo the lumbal sympathetic block with the orthopaedic specialist. After two procedures, we found a reduction in pain (VAS 6–7 to 2–3), the skin looked more colored, and the patient's walking distance improved from 10 to 100 m without any complaints. We also found good wound healing of the ulcers in his left foot; they became smaller and dryer. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Lumbal sympathetic block is thought to be able to reduce peripheral retention that causes the opening of an arteriovenous anastomose, thus increasing blood flow to skin tissue and leading to vasodilatation. It showed its capability to prevent Buerger's disease progression, reduce patient complaints, and heal the wound. CONCLUSION: Lumbal sympathetic block should be considered as an alternative therapy for Buerger's disease.