Basically these two definitions relate to the same overall outcome. In both methods the sympathetic chain is rendered inactive due to interruption of the sympathetic chain either by excision or by clamping. Sympathotomy really means interruption the sympathetic chain with clamps which is the method used by Dr. Reisfeld in all of his cases. Basically sympathotomy means doing the operation with clamps compared to excision of a part of the sympathetic chain. When the sympathetic chain is excised then the word sympathectomy is the appropriate word to use.