Kuntz's fiber: the scapegoat of surgical failure in sympathetic surgery

Ann Chir Gynaecol. 2001;90(3):170-1.

Abstract

Resection of Kuntz's fiber is considered a guarantee to treat Hyperhidrosis in sympathetic surgery. The incidence of Kuntz's fiber is about 60.0% in clinical studies while the surgical failure rate is about 1.5% when Kuntz's fiber is preserved on Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathetic Block by clamping, which is performed by clamping the upper and lower end of ganglion. We found that supererogatory resection of Kuntz's fiber is inessential; clamping of upper and lower ends of the ganglia should be a complete procedure in sympathetic surgery. Kuntz's fiber plays only anatomic, and no clinical role in surgical failure of sympathetic surgery.

MeSH terms

  • Ganglionectomy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Intercostal Nerves / anatomy & histology
  • Treatment Outcome