[Periarterial sympathectomy of the radial and ulnar arteries in Raynaud's phenomenon--a preliminary study].
OBJECTIVE
Assessment of the post-operative results of peripheral sympathectomy in Raynaud's phenomenon.


METHODS
Six patients with therapy refractory Raynaud's phenomenon underwent a 4 cm long adventitial stripping of the radial and ulnar arteries proximal to the wrist. The nerve of Henle was followed up to the surface of the palmar arch and resected. The pre- and postoperative examinations were performed using the help of a questionnaire, telethermography and infra-red laser reflexion rheography.


RESULTS
All but two patients (two hands) were free of complaints (four patients, six hands), the three ulcers on the finger tips healed well. According to the questionnaire there was a dramatic improvement in the quality of life of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
In the follow-up period of two years, there was no recurrence. Adventitial stripping of the radial and ulnar arteries and resection of the nerve of Henle proximal to the wrist have demonstrated favourable results in the treatment of therapy-resistant complaints in Raynaud's phenomenon.
Balogh
B
B
Abteilung für Plastische und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, KH Lainz der Stadt Wien, Vienna, Austria. bab@pch.khl.magwien.gv.at
Mayer
W
W
Vesely
M
M
Partsch
H
H
Piza-Katzer
H
H
D000328:Adult; D003714:Denervation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017534:Radial Artery / Q000294:innervation*; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D013562:Sympathectomy / Q000379:methods*; D017535:Ulnar Artery / Q000294:innervation*