Cervicothoracic sympathectomy for Raynaud's syndrome

Raynaud's syndrome is a clinical entity characterized by episodic vascular spasm and digital ischemia occurring in response to cold or emotional stimuli. Most patients with Raynaud's syndrome are successfully managed with medical therapy. Surgical sympathectomy is rarely performed and its use remains controversial. Of 3,219 patients seen with the diagnosis of Raynaud's disease, phenomenon or syndrome over the last 10 years at Mayo Clinic, 20 cervical or thoracic sympathectomies were performed in 14 (0.4%) patients. Of all patients who underwent cervico thoracic sympathectomy (68) for various reasons during the same time period, 20.5% (14/68) were performed for Raynaud's syndrome. Surgical sympathectomy was reserved for those rare patients with persistent, severe symptoms (pain, ulcer) despite intensive medical treatment. Surgical therapy was also used for those few patients with occupations involving exposure to cold and disabling, refractory symptoms in hopes of allowing them to return to work. Transaxillary (12 limbs) or supraclavicular (8 limbs) exposure and resection of the sympathetic chain with T1-T4 ganglions was usually performed. Initial resolution or improvement of symptoms was achieved in 19/20 (95%) of limbs. Both patients with digital ulceration healed. Although improved in some, persistent or recurrent symptoms were present in all patients after six months postoperatively. Increased sensitivity of digital vessels to circulating catecholamines, nerve fiber regeneration or incomplete sympathectomy have been postulated to lead to recurrence. Five patients developed Horner's syndrome postoperatively. A portion of the stellate ganglion was intentionally resected in 3 of the 5 patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)