Search PubMed⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 3955290

Transthoracic sympathectomy.

H Ellis
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Excision of the upper thoracic sympathetic chain can be performed effectively and safely by a transthoracic approach. The most valuable indication is for severe idiopathic hyperhidrosis of the hands for which it produces a most satisfactory and lasting relief. It is also indicated for severe Raynaud's phenomenon that does not respond to conservative measures but here there is a tendency to progressive relapse following surgery so that only about half the patients show improvement several years later.

Explore related subjects

Ganglia, SympatheticHumansHyperhidrosisRaynaud DiseaseSurgical InstrumentsSympathectomyJournal Article

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

H Ellis. 1986. Transthoracic sympathectomy.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3955290/

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2006

Histamine in cardiac sympathetic ganglia: a novel neurotransmitter?

Although ganglia in the heart are well known to be cholinergic, many other neurotransmitters and neuropeptides also influence (and are produced in) cardiac neurons, including adrenergic and purinergic compounds. Recently, histamine was suggested as a possible neurotransmitter in cardiac tissue. Although histamine does elicit many effects in the heart, does it stand up to rigorous scrutiny and fulfill certain criteria that are used to define neurotransmitters?

Ganglia, Sympathetic↗
PubMed2006

Enlarged cervical sympathetic ganglion: an unusual parapharyngeal space tumour.

Primary parapharyngeal space tumours are rare, but they pose not only diagnostic but also therapeutic challenges in head and neck surgery. Imaging studies, in particular magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, play a central role in the diagnosis of parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumours. Besides schwannomas, primary lesions arising from the sympathetic chain within the PPS are extremely rare. We describe a 49-year-old man in whom the cervical sympathetic ganglion became enlarged after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and appeared as a parapharyngeal mass. This phenomenon has not been reported in the literature. We also discuss the features of the enlarged cervical sympathetic ganglion on MR imaging.

Ganglia, Sympathetic↗
PubMed2004

Thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery for hand sweating.

Recently, thoracoscopic surgery has been shown to be effective for the relief of hand sweating. Although it is not fatal if left untreated, the treatment aim is to improve the quality of daily life. Therefore, it is important to understand the complaints of the patient, and provide an adequate explanation regarding postoperative sequelae. Surgeons should also recognize that thoracoscopic surgery might cause problems when performed, as the general risk of surgery remains. Many patients have been helped by the procedure, as their choices in life have expanded, and satisfactory results can be obtained when indication is determined by a full examination of the patients condition. Between December 1999 and September 2002, we performed thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery in 556 consecutive patients. Five-hundred seventeen (93%) of these complained of profuse hand sweating. Based on the new concept presented, we consider that this method of operation is an effective treatment.

Ganglia, Sympathetic↗