Stellate ganglion block for the immediate treatment of frostbite of upper limb

The purpose of performing early sympathectomy at high altitude was to get relief of vasoconstriction of frostbitten part so that the progression of the disease might be arrested immediately. Descriptive Interventional Study. This study was done in Northern area from December 1997 to December 1998. In this interventional clinical trial, 23 young soldiers who were the victims of frostbite of upper extremity, were given stellate ganglion block with local anesthetic at army field hospital Goma, situated at altitude of 10,800 feet. All the patients were referred back from the posts at forward areas in high mountains, during one year [Dec 1997-Dec 1998]. The results of the study were very encouraging. Patients having mild to moderate form of disease recovered fully whereas disease progression was arrested in patients with severe form and later on they required less reconstructive surgery. The results noted in this study mandate the purpose of more research in this field so that the morbidity caused by the frostbite may be further decreased

Manejo conservador de las lesiones por frío / Conservative management of frost injuries

Desde 1979 a 1993, se han atendido 14 pacientes con congelamiento en las extremidades superiores e inferiores. Los 14 pacientes fueron de sexo masculino, con edades entre 19 y 28 años. Estos 14 pacientesaoprtaron un total de 78 dedos afectados, 50 dedos de los miembros superiores y 28 en los pies. Clínicamente la mayoría fueron congelamiento de 2º. El tratamiento médico comprendió reposo, uso de antiinflamatorios, antiagregantes plaquetarios y vasodilatadores en forma tardía. Las amputaciones de necesidad se efectuaron a los 24 días en los más precoces y a los 60 días en los más tardíos. En su mayoría fueron amputaciones parciales y en 2 casos se amputaron ortejos en forma total. Se realizaron algunos injertos demoepidérmicos y plastía de pulpejos