The Effect of Immediate Sympathectomy on Tissue Survival Following Experimental Frostbite

Abstract

The best treatment for freezing injuries of the extremities which is now available is based on rapid rewarming in warm water, but this regimen must still be improved. The experiments on rabbits presented here imply that increased tissue survival results from sympathetic denervation, but only if it is performed soon enough after the freezing injury. It has been noted, however, that in order to achieve maximum effectiveness (and possibly to be effective at all), it is necessary to deprive the frostbitten part of its sympathetic innervation with as little delay as possible[long dash]preferably immediately after thawing, and, in this experimental situation, within 24 hours.