什么是交感神经切除术?

在你的内心深处, a structure called the sympathetic nerve chain runs up and down along your spine. It is the part of the nervous system responsible for the fight or flight response. During a sympathectomy, a surgeon cuts or clamps this nerve chain. 这阻止了神经信号通过它.

为什么我可能需要交感神经切除术?

This procedure is used to treat a condition called hyperhidrosis or abnormally heavy sweating in the palms of the hands, 面对, 腋下的, 有时是脚. 它也用于面部脸红, some chronic pain conditions and Raynaud phenomenon — a condition that leads to profound sensitivity to cold temperatures and color changes of the skin. 交感神经切除术后, the brain can't send signals to the involved areas to make them sweat, 脸红, 或者对寒冷有同样的反应. This permanent procedure is used as a last resort if other steps, 比如止汗剂或药物, 还没有工作. 

交感神经切除术的风险是什么?

和任何需要麻醉的手术一样, risks include breathing problems or reactions to the medicines used to help you relax during the procedure. 其他可能的风险包括:

• 出血
• 感染
• 疼痛
• 身体其他部位出汗更多
• 手术过程中中风或心脏病发作
• 肺功能衰竭,
• 肺炎
• 需要延长呼吸机的使用时间
• Injuries to nerves or blood vessels during the surgery
• 手臂无力
• 腋下有烧灼感
• 一个叫做霍纳综合症的问题, 哪一种是由神经损伤引起的, and leads to eyelid drooping and trouble with the pupils of the eye.
• 手术并不能缓解这个问题

You may have other risks, based on your specific medical condition. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have before the procedure.

我该如何准备交感神经切除术?

Ask your healthcare provider to tell you what you should do before your sympathectomy. Below is a list of common steps that you may be asked to do.

• 还有完整的病史, your healthcare provider(s) may do a physical exam to ensure you are in otherwise good health before you undergo the procedure. You may also have blood tests and other diagnostic tests.
• Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure and you can ask questions.
• You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is unclear.
• Tell your healthcare provider(s) if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medicines, 乳胶, 碘, 磁带, 对比染料, 麻醉剂(局部或全身).
• Tell your healthcare provider(s) of all medicines (prescribed and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking.
• If you are pregnant or think you could be, tell your healthcare provider(s).
• Tell your healthcare provider(s) if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicines, 阿斯匹林, 或者其他影响血液凝固的药物. You may be told to stop some of these medicines before the procedure.
• 如果你吸烟, stop smoking as soon as possible before the procedure to improve your chances for a successful recovery from surgery and to improve your overall health.

交感神经切除术会发生什么?

Before the surgery, you will be given medicine (anesthesia) so you go to sleep. 你感觉不到也记不得手术过程. The surgeon will make 2 to 3 small incisions (cuts) on one side of your chest below your underarm. 下一个, your lung will be temporarily collapsed and moved aside to allow the surgeon to reach the nerve chain along your spine.

The surgeon will then insert a small video camera and surgical tools to view and maneuver the nerve chain. 下一个, the surgeon will cut or clamp the nerve chain at the right level, 取决于你的具体症状.

完成后, 外科医生会重新扩张肺, 取下相机和仪器, 缝合切口. Then the surgeon will repeat the procedure on your other side. 整个手术大约需要一个小时.

Talk with your healthcare provider about what you will experience during your sympathectomy.

交感神经切除术后会发生什么?

After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Your recovery process will vary depending on the type of procedure done and the type of anesthesia that is given. 经常检查切口部位. 一旦你的血压, 脉冲, 呼吸稳定，你也很清醒, 你会被带到你的病房.

大多数人在手术后第二天就可以回家了. You should plan to have someone give you a ride home.

You may resume your normal diet unless your healthcare provider advises you differently.

之后的一个星期你可能会感到疼痛. Your healthcare provider may suggest that you take over-the-counter or prescription pain medicine.

Ask your healthcare team how to keep the incisions clean. Avoid soaking in the tub or going swimming for 2 weeks.

You can probably do your normal activities after the surgery. 但是，一开始你可能需要放轻松. No heavy lifting or vigorous exercises until your body has healed.

大多数人可以在一周内返回工作岗位.

Be sure to take all of your medicines as prescribed and to attend any follow-up visits that your healthcare provider schedules.

下一个步骤

Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:

• 测试或程序的名称
• 你进行测试或程序的原因
• 期待什么样的结果?它们意味着什么
• 测试或程序的风险和益处
• What the possible side effects or complications are
• When and where you are to have the test or procedure
• Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
• What would  happen if you did not have the test or procedure
• Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
• 你何时以及如何得到结果
• Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems
• How much will you have to pay for the test or procedure