Smithwick, R. H.: An Evaluation of the Surgical
Treatment of Hypertension. Bull. New York Acad. 1949.
The author discusses the effect upon hypertension of unilateral nephrectomy and removal of adrenal tumors but, principally, he considers his experience with operations on the sympathetic nervous system. The two principal known actions of sympathectomy are modification of blood pressure levels and modifications of the reflex regulation resulting from the inactivation of important components of the vasoconstrictor mechanism. Presumed effects of sympathectomy are abolition of reflex secretion of
adrenaline and stabilization of 1l)ood flow through the denervated vascular bed.