SYMPATHECTOMY for hypertension remains a controversial subject. Lack of uniformity in case selection, modification of standard operative procedures and variations in methods for analysis of results are factors which have contributed to the confusion existing in the field. Successful case selection has been a most difficult problem.
This report is based on an analysis of the results of sympathectomy on the blood pressure in 52 patients who were selected for operative intervention according to reported criteria1 from a total of 210 hypertensive patients available for study and surgical consultation. These patients have been followed for a period of one to three years postoperatively. The analysis is primarily concerned with the blood pressure responses, although it is conceded that other factors beside high blood pressure are of great importance in hypertensive vascular disease.
METHOD OF CASE SELECTION
A total of 210 hypertensive patients were referred for complete hypertensive study and