Potential Disqualifications For Sympathectomy Procedures

There are certain situations where a thoracic sympathectomy should not be done because of possible technical problems. Serious cardiac or pulmonary (lung problems), ongoing infection, severe clotting (coagulation problems), cancer, or severe obesity are several reasons not to proceed.

Previous chest surgery or extensive inflammatory diseases in the past may cause severe scar tissue (adhesions) that will prevent exposure of the thoracic sympathetic chain. This is required to perform a safe operation.

In cases like this, an open thoracic sympathectomy is an option, but it is associated with higher amounts of pain, prolonged stays at the hospital, and damage to the lungs so it is not recommended.