Post-Sympathectomy Care in Patients with Incessant Ventricular Tachycardia: A Case Study

Incessant Ventricular Tachycardia is a condition characterized by multiple episodes of Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) in 24 hours, persisting despite efforts to stop the arrhythmia. In this condition, sympathectomy as the surgical procedure is considered a permanent intervention and the last resort when medications prove ineffective. This procedure comprises the cutting or clamping of sympathetic nerves to prevent the transmission of nerve signals. Therefore, this study aims to present a case report of post-sympathectomy nursing management in a patient with Incessant Ventricular Tachycardia.

A 59-year-old female patient was admitted to the high-care unit with a diagnosis of post-sympathectomy, Incessant Ventricular Tachycardia due to Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Nursing problems based on NANDA included decreased cardiac output, gas exchange impairment, and activity intolerance. Furthermore, the nursing interventions for the condition included self-care management and collaboration with an anesthesiologist and cardiologist. The interventions encompassed cardiac care, airway management, and activity therapy. Tele-nursing was also conducted through video calls to monitor the patient after hospital care.

The planned nursing care was effective in preventing common complications that often occur after the surgical procedure. The most important key aspect is regular maintenance and monitoring. The patient was discharged on the third day after the surgery with no complaints of shortness of breath, palpitations, and gradual resumption of activities.

Sympathectomy procedures could successfully be used to treat patients through multidisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, nurses could emphasize post-operative care management to expedite recovery and improve patient quality of life.