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PubMed1999

Lumbar sympathectomy in critical limb ischaemia: surgical, chemical or not at all?

The value of surgical and chemical lumbar sympathectomy was studied in patients with critical lower-limb ischaemia without the option of vascular reconstruction. Clinical success rates, defined as improvement of ischaemia stage, and limb salvage rates were recorded for 76 limbs of 70 consecutive patients. Chemical lumbar sympathectomy patients were older and had more concomitant diseases than surgical lumbar sympathectomy patients. The short-term (6-week) success rate in 36 cases treated with surgical lumbar sympathectomy (44%) was better than in 40 cases treated with chemical lumbar sympathectomy (18%) (P = 0.01). The long-term (1-year) success rate was 47% for surgical lumbar sympathectomy and 45% for chemical lumbar sympathectomy (P = NS). The 1-year limb salvage rates were 61% for surgical lumbar sympathectomy and 58% for chemical lumbar sympathectomy (P = NS). Complications were minor in both groups. Lumbar sympathectomy still has a limited role in the treatment of critical limb ischaemia in patients without the option of vascular reconstruction. Both surgical and chemical lumbar sympathectomy can be performed with very little morbidity and may provide a benefit over the natural course of the arterial insufficiency.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗
PubMed1996

Delayed sympathectomy after a prolonged hyperalgesia results in a subsequent enhanced acute hyperalgesic response.

We report on the ability of a delayed sympathectomy after a prolonged hyperalgesia to result in a subsequent enhanced hyperalgesic response. Sympathectomy was performed one day after injection of prostaglandin E2 plus rolipram, which induces a prolonged sympathetically-maintained hyperalgesia [Aley K. O. and Levine J. D. (1995) Eur. J. Pharmac. 273, 107-112]. The duration of hyperalgesia produced by a subsequent injection of prostaglandin E2 or prostaglandin E2 plus rolipram was then assessed. Lumbar surgical sympathectomy, done on day 2 or 3, prevented prostaglandin E2 plus rolipram-induced prolonged hyperalgesia from developing when they were injected five days after surgery, similar to the previous report of the effect of prior sympathectomy to block the rolipram enhancement [Aley K. O. and Levine J. D. (1995) Eur. J. Pharmac. 273, 107-112]. Sympathectomy done five days after injection of prostaglandin E2 plus rolipram, however, paradoxically prolonged (at least 10 days) hyperalgesia induced by a subsequent prostaglandin E2 plus rolipram injection, a duration much greater than that seen after prostaglandin E2 plus rolipram in naive animals. To determine the roles of prostaglandin E2 and rolipram in the prolongation of hyperalgesic response after delayed sympathectomy, rats were treated with either prostaglandin E2 or rolipram prior to sympathectomy. Prostaglandin E2 or rolipram alone were also administered five days after the sympathectomy. It was found that sympathectomy done five days after first injecting either prostaglandin E2 or rolipram alone did not produce enhanced hyperalgesic response. These data suggest that induction of a prolonged state of mechanical hyperalgesia causes time-dependent alterations in the sympathetic control of peripheral nociceptive mechanisms such that sympathectomy can lead to enhanced hyperalgesic response. These findings may be relevant to post-sympathectomy pain, a clinical entity for which there has been no available animal models.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy for axillary hyperhidrosis: the influence of T4.

BACKGROUND: Recent data suggest that severe compensatory sweating after sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis is more common than previously reported. In particular, T2-T4 sympathectomy for axillary hyperhidrosis leads to significantly more disabling sweating compared with T2-T3 sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis. However, it is not known whether this is a result of the additional transection of the T4 segment or if patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis are more prone to experience disabling compensatory sweating. METHODS: A follow-up study by questionnaire was made of 100 consecutive patients who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy for axillary hyperhidrosis at two university hospitals. Patients underwent T2-T3 sympathectomy (n = 35) or T2-T4 sympathectomy (n = 65) depending on the surgeon's preference. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 91% of patients after a median of 31 months. Compensatory sweating occurred in 90% of patients and was so severe in 61% that they often had to change clothes during the day. There were no significant differences in occurrence or severity of compensatory sweating between the two extents of sympathectomy. Surgical outcome, however, was significantly better after T2-T4 sympathectomy. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast with previous reports, the incidence of compensatory sweating was not significantly related to the extent of sympathectomy for axillary hyperhidrosis. This result suggests that patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis are more prone to experience compensatory sweating. Although the majority of patients with axillary hyperhidrosis were satisfied after thoracoscopic sympathectomy, many regret the operation. Patients should undergo surgery only if medical treatments fail; and provided there is an indication, we recommend T2-T4 sympathectomy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

[The irrigraphic profile, an orienting element in the indications for lumbar sympathectomy].

A retrospective study of 108 case-reports of patients treated by lumbar sympathectomy was conducted to determine irrigraphic parameters possessing possible predictive value for the indication of sympathectomy. The value of the Index 6 (distal irrigation index) must be certainly taken into account; the Index 1 (proximal index) appears to be of interest when analyzing data with a view to sympathectomy in diffuse forms of arteritis. Three profile-types were distinguished; statistical analysis showed no significant difference in these profiles, with respect to the sympathectomy, in relation to the clinical results obtained. Irrigraphic modifications after sympathectomy were analyzed in 72 cases; results confirmed the improved efficacy of sympathectomy at Stage 2 than at Stages 3 and 4, but also showed that at Stage 2 the profile II appeared to react more favorably and that at Stages 3 and 4 the profile I appears to react less well than the other profiles. Also studied were patients with diabetes, who react less favorably to sympathectomy, patients who fail-to respond to sympathectomy, and those with worsening of irrigraphic profiles after sympathectomy, mainly in diabetics with profile I. These findings show that it is not possible to define a precise irrigraphic profile more favorable to sympathectomy, but that they provide interesting elements to be confronted with clinical and arteriographic data when deciding on the need for sympathectomy.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Acute effects of periarterial sympathectomy on the cutaneous microcirculation.

The clinical effects of peripheral sympathectomy on patients with vaso-occlusive disease are often dramatic and include relief of pain, improved quality of life, and healing of ulcers. Peripheral periarterial sympathectomy is known to increase skin temperature and to maximize the nutritional component of peripheral blood flow, but the pathophysiology of vaso-occlusive disease and the physiologic mechanisms of this treatment are unknown. In this study, the acute effects of periarterial sympathectomy were directly observed in a rabbit ear model of digital microcirculation (arterioles, arteriovenous anastomoses, and venules). The effects of periarterial sympathectomy on cutaneous perfusion and total flow were also examined using laser Doppler perfusion imaging and digital temperature measurements. The central auricular artery became dilated (50-100%) immediately after sympathectomy; the arterioles, arteriovenous anastomoses, and venules dilated to 165, 156, and 223%, respectively, at 30 minutes and to 187, 174, and 204%, respectively, at 60 minutes, relative to their baseline diameters prior to sympathectomy. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging values and ear temperatures were noted to increase after sympathectomy (8.9%, 3 degrees C), although the core temperature of the rabbit did not change. Thus, acute periarterial sympathectomy can (a) effectively reduce the vascular tone of the distal microvasculature and (b) increase total microcirculatory perfusion-cutaneous and thermoregulatory-by both venular and arteriolar dilation. Periarterial sympathectomy has the clinical potential to increase nutritional blood flow, thereby ameliorating the signs and symptoms of ischemia associated with thermoregulatory abnormalities. Dilation of the arteriovenous anastomoses, with a subsequent reduction in vascular resistance, may contribute to the increased cutaneous temperature noted after sympathectomy.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2006

Gustatory side effects after thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

BACKGROUND: Compensatory sweating is a frequent side effect after thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis. Gustatory sweating is less commonly reported. It is defined as facial sweating when eating certain foods (particularly spicy food or acidic fruits) and has no generally accepted pathophysiologic explanation. We decided to investigate this phenomenon in patients who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis and analyze whether the occurrence was influenced by the extent of sympathectomy. METHODS: During an 8-year period (1997 to 2005) a total of 238 patients were treated by thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis or blushing. Sympathectomy was performed bilaterally at T2 for facial hyperhidrosis or blushing (n = 97), T2-T3 for palmar hyperhidrosis (n = 76), and T2-T4 for axillary hyperhidrosis (n = 65). All patients received the same questionnaire at follow-up. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 96% of patients after a median of 17 months. Overall, gustatory sweating occurred in 32% of patients, and the incidence was significantly associated with extent of sympathectomy (p = 0.04). However, because the extent of sympathectomy was always decided by the location of primary hyperhidrosis, the latter may also explain the risk of gustatory sweating. CONCLUSIONS: Gustatory sweating is a frequent side effect after thoracoscopic sympathectomy. This is the first study to report that its incidence is significantly related to the extent of sympathectomy or the location of primary hyperhidrosis. Although there is no pathophysiologic explanation of gustatory sweating, these findings should be considered before planning thoracoscopic sympathectomy and patients should be thoroughly informed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Sympathectomy for complex regional pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: With the easier and earlier recognition of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a reappraisal of its therapy, particularly the role and timing of sympathectomy, is warranted. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 9-year period, 42 patients with CRPS type II of the upper extremity were referred for sympathectomy. Patients were categorized according to the duration of the symptoms (group I, <3 months; group II, >3 months). All patients underwent initial medical treatment; stellate ganglion blocks were performed when symptoms persisted beyond 6 weeks. Patients were referred for thoracoscopic sympathectomy on persistence of the pain syndrome. A visual linear analogue scale was used to evaluate outcome of sympathectomy. RESULTS: Thoracoscopic dorsal sympathectomy was successfully undertaken in 32 patients. In the remaining 10 patients, thoracoscopy was not technically feasible and open sympathectomy was performed. There was an overall improvement in all 42 patients undergoing sympathectomy (P <.001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). The outcome in group I was significantly better than in group II (P <.003, Mann-Whitney U test). The diagnosis of sympathetically mediated pain with stellate blockade did not correlate with clinical outcome. Patients undergoing thoracoscopic sympathectomy had a better outcome than those undergoing open sympathectomy. There were no complications, and the hospital stay was shorter in the thoracoscopic group. CONCLUSION: Early recognition of CRPS and prompt recourse to surgical sympathectomy is a useful option in the management of CRPS.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Sympathectomy for neuropathic pain.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain is defined as pain initiated or caused by a primary lesion or dysfunction in the nervous system. Some examples of this condition are phantom limb pain, post-stroke pain and complex regional pain syndrome type I (reflex sympathetic dystrophy) and type II (causalgia). Treatment options include drugs, physical treatments, surgery and psychological interventions. The concept that many neuropathic pain syndromes, particularly RSD and causalgia are "sympathetically maintained pains" has historically led to attempts to temporarily or permanently interrupt the sympathetic nervous system. Chemical sympathectomies use alcohol or phenol injections to destroy the sympathetic chain, but this effect is temporary until regeneration of the sympathetic chain occurs. Surgical ablation can be performed by open removal or electrocoagulation of the sympathetic chain, or minimally invasive procedures using stereotactic thermal or laser interruption. OBJECTIVES: The review aimed to assess the effects of both chemical and surgical sympathectomy for neuropathic pain. Secondary objectives were to compare the effects of sympathectomy with no treatment, placebo or conventional treatment, and to evaluate whether the technique of sympathectomy influences the outcomes of the procedure. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE up to February 2003 and the latest issue of the Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2003). We screened references in the retrieved articles, literature reviews and book chapters. We also contacted experts in the field of neuropathic pain. SELECTION CRITERIA: Clinical trials and observational studies assessing the effects of sympathectomy (surgical or chemical) for neuropathic pain of both central or peripheral origin were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers applied the selection criteria to titles and abstracts. Full articles of potentially eligible trials were obtained and the same reviewers applied the inclusion criteria to the studies. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated. The studies were also evaluated for clinical relevance according to a classification developed by our group. Statistical pooling was not possible due to heterogeneity of data; instead a narrative description of each included study was performed. MAIN RESULTS: We included four studies. One randomized trial comparing radiofrequency sympatholysis with phenol sympathectomy was rated as low methodological quality and it showed that radiofrequency sympatholysis does not offer advantage over phenol techniques. However, a modified technique produced sympatholysis comparable to that produced by 6% phenol, with less incidence of post-sympathectomy neuralgia. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The practice of surgical and chemical sympathectomy is based on poor quality evidence, uncontrolled studies and personal experience. Furthermore, complications of the procedure may be significant, in terms of both worsening the pain or producing a new pain syndrome; and abnormal forms of sweating (compensatory hyperhidrosis and pathological gustatory sweating). Therefore, more clinical trials of sympathectomy are required to establish the overall effectiveness and potential risks of this procedure.

Humans↗
PubMed1994

Sympathectomy for reflex sympathetic dystrophy: factors affecting outcome.

This study includes our 12-year experience with chemical sympathetic blocks and surgical sympathectomies for causalgic pain of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) with emphasis on factors affecting clinical outcome. Medical records of patients undergoing sympathectomies for causalgic pain were analyzed. The patients were classified according to Drucker et al. as stage I, II, or III. Results of chemical and surgical sympathectomies were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate methods. Twenty-one patients had lumbar and seven had cervicodorsal sympathectomies for RSD. The mean duration between initial injury and chemical sympathetic block was 10 months with a mean of 11.4 months to surgical sympathectomy. Ten patients (36%) had overt extremity trauma as the precipitating event. Ten patients (36%) had a lumbar laminectomy, three of whom developed the syndrome bilaterally. There was no operative mortality; however, 25% had transient postoperative sympathetic neuralgia. The early and late (> 6 months) satisfactory outcomes after surgical sympathectomy were 82% and 71%, respectively. Patients with stage II presentations were significantly more likely to have satisfactory early (92%) and late (79%) outcomes than stage III patients, 0% and 0% (p = 0.019). Patients with an excellent response to chemical sympathetic block were more likely to have satisfactory early and late surgical outcomes. The time between injury and chemical block and surgical sympathectomy was significantly shorter in patients who had satisfactory early and late surgical outcomes (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the most important independent factor in determining early and late satisfactory outcomes of sympathectomy was the time between injury and sympathectomy (p = 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Prospective randomized study of concomitant lumbar sympathectomy with aortoiliac reconstruction.

Ninety-three consecutive patients for aortofemoral bypass grafting were studied to determine the effect of sympathectomy on early and late patency, the need for subsequent distal procedures, amputation rate, and ankle-brachial Doppler systolic pressure indexes. Sixty-seven patients completed the study. Fifty-three limbs were randomized to receive sympathectomy and 81 no sympathectomy. The mean length of follow-up postoperatively was 11 +/- 2.53 months (maximum 24). Five grafts occluded, two early and three late. Both early occlusions occurred in the nonsympathectomy group and all three late occlusions ensued in the sympathectomy group. Subsequent distal procedures were necessary early (within 30 days) in five limbs, all in the nonsympathectomy group. Nine limbs required distal procedures late, four (5 percent) in the nonsympathectomy group and five (9.5 percent) in the sympathectomy group (p greater than 0.05). Altogether, distal bypass was required in 11 percent of the patients in the nonsympathectomy group versus 9.4 percent in the sympathectomy group (p greater than 0.05). Five limbs were amputated 4 to 14 months after aortofemoral bypass, four (5 percent) in the nonsympathectomy and one (2 percent) in the sympathectomy group (p greater than 0.05). The ankle-brachial pressure index increased significantly after aortofemoral bypass in both groups (p less than 0.05). The mean increase after aortofemoral bypass was more marked in the sympathectomy group (p greater than 0.05). Thus, at a mean follow-up time of 11 months after aortofemoral bypass, there was no significant difference in graft patency, need for subsequent distal bypass, or amputation rate between the sympathectomy and nonsympathectomy groups.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Oximetry-derived perfusion index for intraoperative identification of successful thoracic sympathectomy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy treats patients with hyperhidrosis. Laser Doppler flow and changes in palmar temperature have been advocated for intraoperative monitoring. The pulse oximetry-derived perfusion index (PI) is used to quantify pulsatile blood flow at the pulse oximeter. Upper limb sympathectomy is associated with increased flow to the ipsilateral extremity; thus we postulate that it will increase PI. We evaluated changes in intraoperative PI as a monitor of successful thoracic sympathectomy. METHODS: After institutional review board approval and informed consent, 10 adult patients undergoing bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy under general anesthesia were studied. Finger pulse-oximetry probes were placed on each hand, and reference probes on each earlobe. Hemodynamic variables and PI were continuously monitored. Data were collected immediately before and every minute after sympathectomy for 5 minutes. Anesthetic management remained constant throughout. A successful sympathectomy was defined by a twofold increase in PI on the ipsilateral arm. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance and Student's t tests; a p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Baseline oximetric waveforms were adequate in all subjects. Right sympathectomy was associated with a 372% increase in PI (p < 0.0001), and left sympathectomy with a 316% increase in PI (p < 0.029). This occurred as early as 1 minute after transection of the sympathetic chain. The PI in the reference probes as well as the hemodynamics remained constant. All patients had postoperative resolution of their hyperhidrosis symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with hyperhidrosis of the upper extremity, the intraoperative PI derived from pulse oximetry is an additional indicator of successful thoracic sympathectomy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Health-related quality of life after thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Palmar hyperhidrosis is a benign functional disorder regarded as a psychological and social handicap. Improvement of the quality of life is a major goal of treatment. However, little attention has been given to quality of life after thoracoscopic sympathectomy, which is the first line of treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. This study investigated the impact of thoracoscopic sympathectomy on subjective health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological properties. METHODS: Forty patients who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy were followed up for 6 months. The HRQoL measures were the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Patients were administered these questionnaires before procedure and then again at 1, 3, and 6 months after sympathectomy. RESULTS: A comparison between the current sample and Japanese normative data for the SF-36 showed mild impairment of HRQoL before sympathectomy. However, it also showed significant improvement of the social functioning domain after sympathectomy. While there was worsening of the bodily pain and role physical domains 1 month after sympathectomy, both domains recovered in 3 months. The results of STAI showed significant improvement of both trait and state anxiety after sympathectomy. However, the results of SDS showed patients remained neurotic. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show the pattern of impairment in health status and therapeutic impact in palmar hyperhidrosis patients. Hyperhidrosis is associated with impaired HRQoL. It was also demonstrated that thoracoscopic sympathectomy is safe, minimally invasive, and improves HRQoL, even if compensatory hyperhidrosis occurs.

Adolescent↗