Temporary sympathectomy in the treatment of chronic refractory angina

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of the two most commonly practiced temporary sympathectomy techniques in the treatment of chronic refractory angina. Fifty-nine consecutive refractory angina patients commencing outpatient temporary sympathectomy from November 1, 2000 to November 1, 2002, were prospectively audited for duration of pain relief and procedural complications over a two-year period. A total of 227 stellate ganglion blockades (SGB) and 100 paravertebral blockades (PVB) were performed on 59 chronic refractory angina (CRA) patients naïve to sympathectomy. The mean period of pain relief obtained following SGB was 3.48 weeks (SD 3.38) and the mean relief following PVB was 2.80 weeks (SD 2.00). Mild, fully reversible complications occurred in 3% of SGB and 3% of PVB procedures, with one patient requiring overnight hospitalization. This study demonstrates that temporary sympathectomy may provide a safe and effective outpatient procedure in refractory angina patients when applied as part of holistic care.