The role of video-thoracoscopic sympathectomy in buerger and raynaud

Background: Buerger and Raynaud diseases are peripheral circulatory disorders that cause ulcers at fingers and affect the quality of life. The aim of this study is to detect the role of sympathectomy via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in Buerger and Raynaud for an effective treatment. Materials and Methods: Study was designed retrospectively on prospective data. Sympathectomy via VATS, was applied to 45 patients who were diagnosed as Buerger or Raynaud disease in a 6-years period. Patients were followed with 6 months intervals. Age, gender, initial symptoms, smoking habit, quality of life with the operation type, duration and hospital stay were recorded. After surgery all datas related to the patient were also noted at follow-up period. Results: Ten of 45 patients were in Buerger disease group and 35 in Raynaud. After VATS, existing finger ulcers were regressed 100% and regression in symptoms was more than 70% for both diseases. For overall, progression in life quality was noted as more than 95% of patients. Median hospital-stay was 2 days. There was no mortality and serious complication. Pneumothorax was the most common complication. Conclusions: In order to increase the life quality of the patients and prevent the tissue loss, sympathectomy seems the only satisfactory surgical method of treatment for Buerger and Raynaud diseases especially for the circularity disorders of upper extremities.