Asymmetrical autonomic dysfunction of the feet after retroperitoneal surgery in patients with testicular cancer: 2 case reports

J Urol. 1992 Feb;147(2):470-1. doi: 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)37278-6.

Abstract

We report on 2 patients with hyperhidrosis and decreased temperature of the leg on the unoperated side after unilateral retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Both patients had a 4 to 5C difference in skin temperature of the feet, with the operated side being warm and dry compared to the nonoperated side. This condition is most likely due to a lesion of sympathetic fibers or ganglia located in close proximity to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, resembling a unilateral lumbar sympathectomy. In addition, both patients had profuse sweating and a subjective feeling of coldness of the leg on the nonoperated side, which caused considerable discomfort. This latter phenomenon most likely represents a compensatory sympathetic hyperfunction due to the decreased sympathetic function in the other leg.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autonomic Nervous System / injuries
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Body Temperature Regulation
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications
  • Leg / innervation*
  • Lymph Node Excision / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Retroperitoneal Space
  • Sweating
  • Testicular Neoplasms / surgery*