Surgery – MCQ 84 – Lumbar sympathectomy

Lumbar sympathectomy is of value in the management of:
A. Intermittent claudication
B. Distal ischaemia affecting the skin of the toes
C. Arteriovenous Fistula
D. Back pain

Correct answer : B. Distal ischaemia affecting the skin of the toes

The sympathetic system controls the blood flow to skin (not muscle). Sympathetic tone has a vasoconstrictor effect. Hence lumbar sympathectomy will cause vasodilation and increased blood flow to skin of toes.

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