Abstract

Hematuria is described as a previously unreported and perhaps unrecognized complication of a lumbar paravertebral sympathetic block. Trauma to the ureter with a blocking needle is proposed as the source of the hematuria. The proximity of the ureter to the sympathetic chain at the second, third, and fourth lumbar levels is noteworthy and demonstrated with a computed axial tomographic cross section. The kidney is another potential, albeit less likely, source of hematuria during this block.