[Monitoring by non-flowmeter vascular function tests following lumbar sympathectomy]

Postoperative follow up examinations were conducted using vascular functional explorations (V.F.E.) including thermometry, Doppler, irrigraphy, digital plethysmography and tread mill. Immediate and long-term effects of lumbar sympathectomy have to be distinguished: the majority of hemodynamic variations noted are not due exclusively to lumbar sympathectomy, except for the iatrogenic development of vasomotor inertia (R.H.T. indifferent or negative) and perhaps values with time of the digital flow curve. Results of V.F.E. after lumbar sympathectomy are discussed in relation to three modalities and taking into account the efficacy and extent of the sympathetic chain resection. The question is raised as to the usefulness of lumbar sympathectomy when the pretreatment V.F.E. findings show hemodynamic elements of the type that would be expected after lumbar sympathectomy.