EVALUATION OF SYMPATHECTOMY IN ARTERIOSCLEROTIC PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE

Abstract

In terms of incidence and morbidity arteriosclerosis constitutes the most important form of peripheral vascular disease and consequently deserves the most serious consideration. However, until relatively recently the prevailing attitude characterizing the therapeutic approach to this problem was almost fatalistic. Among the more important factors which have contributed to this point of view are the concept that arteriosclerosis is an inevitable consequence of aging, and therefore an irreversible process, and the general belief that sympathectomy was indicated only in peripheral vascular disturbances characterized by vasospastic phenomena with little or no organic component. With the encouraging results which followed the cautious extension of this procedure in selected cases of this disease greater interest was aroused in the potential benefits of this form of therapy. During the past decade numerous reports have appeared attesting to the value of this procedure in obliterative vascular sclerosis and reflecting a more hopeful outlook in therapy.