Abstract | BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: METHODS: Fifty adult patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I to III, were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. T2 and T3 thoracic RF thermolesion was performed in 1 group, whereas T2 thermolesion with local application of 0.5 mL of 6% phenol was delivered in the second group. Changes in cold perception, pain, and quality of life were assessed using a questionnaire. Blood circulation in the upper extremity was evaluated using infrared thermography. Patients were observed for a period of 3 months. RESULTS: A significant decrease in pain according to visual analog scale (P < 0.001), increase in peripheral temperature in the upper extremities (P < 0.001), and improvement in quality of life were observed in both groups of patients after the procedure. Susceptibility to cold-provoked vasospasm was not significantly affected in either group. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in any parameter apart from the duration of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic RF upper sympathectomy is an effective method in the treatment of resistant forms of Raynaud phenomenon. A single-shot procedure at the level of T2 may be preferable because of the shorter procedure duration of this technique.
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Authors | Tomas Gabrhelik, Pavel Michalek, Milan Adamus, Emil Berta |
Journal | Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
(Reg Anesth Pain Med)
2009 Sep-Oct
Vol. 34
Issue 5
Pg. 425-9
ISSN: 1532-8651 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 19920419
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Electrocoagulation
(adverse effects)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pain
(etiology, prevention & control)
- Pain Measurement
- Pain Threshold
- Patient Satisfaction
- Phenol
(administration & dosage)
- Prospective Studies
- Quality of Life
- Raynaud Disease
(complications, physiopathology, surgery)
- Regional Blood Flow
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Sympathectomy
(adverse effects, methods)
- Thermosensing
- Thoracic Vertebrae
(innervation)
- Time Factors
- Treatment Outcome
- Young Adult
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