Chemical Sympathectomy for Chronic Pain

Overview
Chemical sympathectomy is a surgical technique used to provide long-term relief for some types of neuropathic chronic pain, specifically Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

What does it involve?
During chemical sympathectomy surgery, the sympathetic nerves are destroyed with chemicals such as alcohol or phenol.

Recovery
You can expect to rest for several days after receiving a chemical sympathectomy. You may feel more pain than usual for several days after the procedure. You will be given extra pain medication to take during recovery. It may a few weeks before you experience pain relief from chemical sympathectomy.

Results
Pain relief from chemical sympathectomy may be temporary or permanent.

Constraints
Chemical sympathectomy may not be successful at reducing pain.

Pain relief from chemical sympathectomy may not be permanent. You may need to repeat the procedure if pain returns.

Any surgery carries risks including blood clots, blood loss, infection, breathing problems, reactions to medication, and heart attack or stroke during the surgery.

There may be pain and inflammation during recovery from chemical sympathectomy.

Chemical sympathectomy may create new pain problems.

You may experience unusual sweating after chemical sympathectomy.