"Given the fact that most of the existing literature is geared towards a) assessing only the effectiveness of the surgical sympathectomy procedures, and b) publishing only studies with positive results, adverse effects and complications are not systematically reported but rather as a secondary outcome. It seems, therefore, highly likely that the complications as reported here, are truly underestimated.
The study indicates that surgical sympathectomy, irrespective of operative approach and indication, may be associated with many and potentially serious complications."
Are We Paying a High Price for Surgical Sympathectomy? A Systematic Literature Review of Late Complications
http://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900%2800%2944124-6/abstract
