Skin Resistance Changes in the Lower Limb after Lumbar Ganglionectomy

Abstract

Results of lumbar ganglionectomy were assessed by estimation of changes in sweat gland activity. A new technic for measuring skin resistance changes is descr. in which the patient is made the lower limb of a potential divider circuit. 27 patients were investigated with this technic, during the first 10 days following bilateral or unilateral lumbar ganglionectomy. The anatomy of the sympathetic chain is extremely variable, and the distr. of the gray rami very com-plex. For these reasons it is not possible to make precise deductions concerning the anatomy of the lumbar ganglionated chain on the basis of cutaneous sweat changes following ganglionectomy. Certain general facts emerged, however. In order to obtain skin resistance changes in the whole of the lower extremity, the resection must be upwards behind the crus of the diaphragm. When the resection is less extensive, in-volving 2 to 3 inches of the chain opposite L3 vertebra, varying expanses of the skin of the thigh are unaffected. The bearing of this finding on the appln. of ganglionectomy to vascular lesions of the lower extremity is discussed.