Henry-Adson Sympathectomy

Henry-Adson sympathectomy is a surgical operation aimed at removing part of the sympathetic nerve trunk in the neck. This operation was developed by the Irish surgeon Henry and the American neurosurgeon Adson in the first half of the 20th century.

The goal of the surgery is to reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. A decrease in sympathetic activity leads to dilation of blood vessels, normalization of blood pressure, decreased sweating and other effects.

Indications for Henry-Adson sympathectomy include hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), Raynaud's syndrome, migraines, hypertension and a number of other conditions.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made in the neck, after which the sympathetic trunk is isolated and the necessary section of nerve fibers is removed. The effect of the operation is usually persistent and long-lasting.

Henry-Adson sympathectomy is still used in medical practice for certain indications. This operation makes it possible to achieve a lasting therapeutic effect in a number of diseases associated with hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system.