Radiofrequency Lesioning as a Treatment Buerger's Disease

Buerger's disease (also known as thromboangiitis obliterans) is an acute inflammation and thrombosis of arteries and veins of the hands and feet. Various treatment modalities have been tried to control the pathologic process with varying success; including peripheral vasodilator drugs, chemical sympathectomy etc.. Advanced disease leads to necrosis of the peripheral tissues and necessitates repeated amputations. At this stage permanent chemical ablation of the sympathetic chain at the appropriate level is helpful; but it has now been replaced with the new addition of radiofrequency lesioning. We present two cases in which this technique was used with satisfactory results at our pain canter.