Bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy: results and long-term follow-up

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy in alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with hyperhidrosis or facial blushing and to investigate the occurrence, severity and possible underlying factors to compensatory sweating after surgery. One hundred and sixty-three patients in a single institution underwent bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy with a mean follow-up period of 51 (5-140) months. Indications were for palmar hyperhidrosis (41%), axillary hyperhidrosis (17%), combined palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis (27%) and facial blushing+/-facial hyperhidrosis (15%). Success rates were palmar 98.5%, axillary 96.4%, palmar and axillary 97.7% and facial blushing+/-facial hyperhidrosis 84%. Compensatory sweating occurred in 77% of patients and its severity was related to the severity of the primary complaint. Recurrence rates were palmar 4.6%, axillary 7.4%, palmar and axillary 9.3% and facial blushing+/-facial hyperhidrosis 4.7% at a mean of 22 (3-72) months. An improvement in quality of life was seen in 85% and a diminution of quality of life was noted in 5% due to compensatory sweating. This large mature series demonstrates that bilateral thoracoscopic division of the sympathetic chain as opposed to resection can be performed effectively in patients with success rates higher than 90% and low recurrence rates.     

胸腔镜下T3胸交感神经切断术治疗手汗症62例临床分析

目的探讨胸腔镜下T3胸交感神经切断术治疗手汗症的疗效。方法 2008年7月～2011年3月对62例手汗症行胸腔镜下经操作孔电凝钩切断T3胸交感神经及可能存在的交通支。结果 62例手术均获成功,手术时间(双侧)19～36 min,平均24.3 min。住院3～6 d,平均4.5 d。术后出现胸腔积液9例,4例行胸腔穿刺抽液,5例经保守治疗治愈。56例术后随访3～12个月,平均7.2月,2例复发轻度手汗,3例出现轻度代偿性出汗。结论胸腔镜下T3胸交感神经切断术治疗手汗症疗效确切,不易复发,术后代偿性多汗发生率低,安全性高。     

The results of thoracoscopic sympathetic trunk transection for palmar hyperhidrosis and sympathetic ganglionectomy for axillary hyperhidrosis.

OBJECTIVES: To review our total experience of thoracoscopic sympathetic trunk transection for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis and second and third thoracic sympathetic ganglionectomy for axillary hyperhidrosis. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study following up consecutive patients for 0.3 to 5.5 years. SUBJECTS: Fifty-four consecutive patients undergoing thoracoscopic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis. METHODS: Prospective evaluation of immediate technical success, complications, late recurrence of hyperhidrosis and patient acceptability. RESULTS: 100% initial cure for palmar hyperhidrosis, 91% of sympathetic ganglionectomies for axillary hyperhidrosis were technically successful and initially curative. Compensatory sweating 44% patients, most severe after bilateral sympathetic ganglionectomy. Complications occurred in 14% patients, all resolving without further intervention. There were no cases of Horner's syndrome. 13% patients reported a return of some palmar sweating. 5.4% patients developed recurrent palmar hyperhidrosis at 6, 15 and 21 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Transection of the sympathetic trunk between the first and second thoracic sympathetic ganglia initially cures 100% of patients treated primarily for palmar hyperhidrosis. Technically successful 2nd and 3rd thoracic sympathetic ganglionectomy initially cures 100% of patients with axillary hyperhidrosis. Compensatory sweating is common after bilateral sympathectomy. Recurrent palmar hyperhidrosis occurs in 5.4% of cases, but can be cured by a second thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Horner's syndrome is an avoidable complication of thoracoscopic sympathectomy.     

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis: four-year outcome and quality of life after bilateral 5-mm dual port approach

Background  During recent years, thoracoscopic sympathectomy has been the standard treatment for hyperhidrosis. Different surgical techniques have been described without proving their advantages compared with other procedures. This study was designed to evaluate our modification of thoracoscopic sympathectomy and to compare the effectiveness between axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis. Methods  Ninety patients with axillary or palmar hyperhidrosis who underwent bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy with single-lumen ventilation with a dual 5-mm port approach were followed up for a median of 3.9 (range, 1–6) years. The clinical course and data during the hospitalization and consultation in our outpatient clinic were reviewed. The following parameters were evaluated: clinical improvement, satisfaction, changes in quality of life, and compensatory sweating and gustatory sweating. Results  The perioperative mortality was 0, and the morbidity was 6.5%. In 81% clinical improvement of sweating was noticed; 55% did not sweat at all. A total of 88% of patients were satisfied with the result of the operation. The rates of compensatory sweating and gustatory sweating were 93.5% and 49.4%, respectively. The result of sympathectomy in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were significantly better concerning rate of satisfaction (p = 0.006) and improvement of symptoms (p = 0.027) compared with patients with axillary symptoms. Additionally it was found that the compensatory sweating had significantly impacted the satisfaction rating of the operation. Conclusion  Currently different effective surgical approaches for the treatment of hyperhidrosis with improvement rates of more than 80% are available. The quality of the intervention has to be evaluated by changes in quality of life and intensity of compensatory sweating. Thoracoscopic sympathectomy as performed in our institution offers results and complications comparable to previously published trials; however, because of single-lumen ventilation the management is much easier. Therefore, this technique offers an interesting option for the treatment of patients with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.     

Endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy for upper limb hyperhidrosis: limited sympathectomy does not reduce postoperative compensatory sweating

OBJECTIVE: Compensatory sweating is the most common and troublesome complication of thoracodorsal sympathectomy. Whether the magnitude of compensatory sweating is related to the extent of sympathectomy is unclear. We investigated the association between the extent of sympathectomy and the occurrence and severity of compensatory sweating after endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy for upper limb hyperhidrosis. METHODS: From September 1992 to June 2000, data from patients undergoing thoracoscopic sympathectomy to treat primary upper limb hyperhidrosis in our department were prospectively collected. Routine follow-up with clinical examination was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months for the first postoperative year and every year thereafter. Late follow-up (February 2001) was with a standardized questionnaire by mail or telephone concerning compensatory sweating and patient satisfaction. Associations between the extent of sympathectomy and the occurrence and severity of compensatory sweating were analyzed with logistic regression and adjusted for age, gender, and relevant confounding factors. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-eight sympathectomies were consecutively performed in 134 patients (99 female, 35 male; mean age, 27.8 +/- 6.7 years). In the 84 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis, eight underwent T1-T2 resection, four T1-T3 resection, eight T2-T3 resection, and 64 T2-T4 resection. In the 43 patients with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis, eight underwent T1-T5 resection and 35 T2-T5 resection. The seven patients with isolated axillary hyperhidrosis underwent T3-T5 sympathectomy. No deaths occurred; one conversion for bleeding, one permanent Horner's syndrome, and six minor complications did occur. The initial cure rate was 99.2%. The initial satisfaction rate was 97%. The mean follow-up period was 44.3 months (range, 7 to 100 months), and complete follow-up was available in 132 patients (98.5%). Ninety-five patients (71.9%) had compensatory sweating develop. Seventy patients (53%) judged their compensatory sweating to be minor and intermittent, and 25 patients (19%) judged it severe (16% embarrassing, 3% disabling). On univariate and multivariate analysis, the extent of denervation was not associated with the occurrence or the severity of compensatory sweating. The late satisfaction rate was 91.5%. Compensatory sweating and temporary relief/recurrence were equally considered to be the main causes of dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION: Compensatory sweating was the most common long-term complication of thoracodorsal sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis. Its incidence and severity were not associated with the extent of sympathectomy.     

胸腔镜下不同节段胸交感神经链切断术治疗手汗症的疗效比较

目的探讨胸腔镜下不同节段胸交感神经切断术治疗手汗症的疗效和术后代偿性多汗的差异。方法 2006年10月-2010年8月对62例手汗症行胸腔镜下胸交感神经链切断术。A组为2006年10月-2008年11月T2-T4交感神经链切断术29例,B组为2008年12月-2010年8月T4交感神经链切除术33例。结果 62例手术均获成功,术后手掌多汗症状全部消失,有效率100%。术前合并足底多汗43例、腋窝多汗23例,术后症状消失或明显减轻分别为31例（72.1%）和20例（87.0%）。术后A组和B组均出现了不同程度的代偿性多汗：A组12例,其中10例轻度,2例中度;B组6例,其中5例轻度,1例中度,2组代偿性多汗发生率有统计学意义[41.4%（12/29）vs.18.2%（6/33）,χ2=4.031,P=0.045]。结论 T4交感神经切断术治疗手汗症能有效减少术后代偿性多汗的发生,是安全、有效的治疗方法。     

Comparing T2 and T2–T3 ablation in thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: a randomized control trial

Background Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is a useful therapeutic option for palmar hyperhidrosis. Surgeons differ in the level of the sympathetic chain ablated. This study aimed to compare the blockade of the T2 with levels T2 and T3 to verify the effectiveness of different ablation levels in relieving hyperhidrosis symptoms. Methods For patients undergoing bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis, T2–T3 ablation is performed bilaterally. In our series, 25 consecutive patients were blindly randomized to undergo unilateral T2 and T3 ablation followed by contralateral ablation of level T2 only. The patients were followed up and analyzed for comparison of symptoms bilaterally, compensatory hyperhidrosis, and levels of satisfaction postoperatively. Results The study group consisted of 25 patients with a male:female ratio of 3:2 and a mean age of 32 years (range, 19–50 years). The mean operative time was 35 min. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 23 months (range, 2–65 months). All 25 patients confirmed that their palmar sweating resolved postoperatively, with both palms equally dry. Of the 25 patients, 20 (80%) complained of compensatory hyperhidrosis, which also was bilaterally symmetric. The areas involved were trunk (80%), lower limbs (32%), and armpits (12%). Overall, 80% of the patients were very satisfied with the procedure. The remaining 20% experienced mild to moderate compensatory hyperhidrosis, which did not seem to affect their lifestyle. Conclusion The findings show that T2 ablation in thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis is as effective as T2–T3 ablation in terms of symptomatic relief, recurrence, compensatory hyperhidrosis, and patient satisfaction.     

Video-assisted transthoracic sympathectomy in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis: friend or foe?

The authors hypothesize that palmar hyperhidrosis is a systemic manifestation of abnormal sudomotor function; consequently, thoracoscopic sympathectomy to alleviate symptoms in the hands may result in heat dissipation because sweating is transferred to other sites. To investigate this phenomenon and to determine whether it adversely affects patient satisfaction, a standard questionnaire was administered to 626 patients who underwent sympathectomy at a university-associated public hospital between 1991 and 1998; only patients treated at least 6 months before questionnaire distribution were included in the study. Replies were received from 336 (53.7%) individuals. The surveyed patients underwent bilateral T2, T3 (palmar sweating), or T3, T4 (axillary sweating) sympathectomy by a standard video-assisted transthoracic technique. Main outcome measures included the incidence of dry hands, compensatory sweating, chest pain, upper-limb muscle weakness, shortness of breath, and gustatory phenomena; in addition, patient perception of the success of the surgical procedure was assessed. After sympathectomy, 97.3% (P < 0.0001) and 29.2% (P < 0.001) of patients reported significant improvement in palmar hyperhidrosis and axillary sweating, respectively. Postsurgery, severe compensatory sweating was experienced in 90% of patients (P < 0.0001). The sites of compensatory sweating were the back (75%), abdomen (51%), feet (23%), groin and thigh (13%), chest (13%), and axillae (8%). Transient whole-body sweating for no apparent reason was experienced in 30% of patients. Thirty-seven patients (11%) regretted having undergone the surgical procedure. In contrast, 25% and 64% of patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. From the survey results, the authors conclude that palmar hyperhidrosis is a systemic manifestation of abnormal sudomotor function and that thoracic sympathectomy may alleviate symptoms in a large proportion of patients. However, for some individuals, compensatory sweating may prove to be an equally troublesome handicap. Because the occurrence of severe compensatory sweating is unpredictable, a reversible sympathectomy may be desirable.     

Bilateral single-port thoracoscopic sympathectomy with the VasoView device in the treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis

Primary or essential hyperhidrosis is a disorder characterized by excessive sweating beyond physiological needs. It is a common disease (with an incidence of up to 2.8%) that causes intense discomfort for patients. Video-assisted thoracoscopic bilateral sympathectomy is an effective surgical treatment with high success rates and improvement in quality of life. In the last decade, the advantages of a single-port thoracoscopic approach have become clear. Problems with intraoperative bleeding management have been solved by using thoracoscopes with integrated electrocautery scissors. In this report, we describe successful transaxillary bilateral single-port thoracoscopic T2-T5 sympathectomy with the VasoView? device in three patients with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. The VasoView? device, with its integrated electrocautery scissors, was originally designed for endoscopic vessel harvesting in coronary artery bypass surgery, but it has proven highly effective for single-port thoracoscopic sympathectomy.     

切断术治疗多汗症的随机对照试验

目的介绍多汗症快速康复外科治疗的新方法,并探讨麻醉监护下非气管内插管局部麻醉胸腔镜交感神经切断术治疗多汗症的可行性、安全性及有效性。方法纳入广东省人民医院124例中度以上多汗症患者,采用SPSS18．0软件计算机生成随机序列,将患者分成非气管内插管局部麻醉组及气管内插管全身麻醉组,每组各62例,局部麻醉组男43例、女19例,年龄（22．25±6．22）岁;全身麻醉组男42例、女20例,年龄（23．98±6．67）岁。局部麻醉组不需气管内插管,仅予鼻导管或面罩吸氧,行麻醉监护;全身麻醉组常规气管内插管下完成手术,比较两组临床效果。结果所有患者均安全顺利完成手术。局部麻醉组无1例转为气管内插管全身麻醉。局部麻醉组和全身麻醉组的手术时间[（47．18±12．06）minVS．（39．33±13．21）min,P=0．002]、总操作时间[（84．52±22．56）minVS．（134．68±26．12）min,P=0．000]差异有统计学意义。两组出血量、术中脉搏血氧饱和度（SpO：）〈95％例数（2例VS．0例）,术后住院时间、术后代偿性多汗发生率（86．50％VS．89．00％）,术后患者满意率（94．59％VS．95．12％）差异均无统计学意义;两组均无术中疼痛不适、手术并发症、术后复发发生。两组麻醉准备时间[（20．52±10．55）minVS．（36．47±12．16）min],术后清醒出手术室时间[（11．26±7．09）minVS．（59．39±19．89）min],住院费用[（6376．86±746．00）元VS．（8812．044-867．93）元]差异有统计学意义（P均为0．000）。局部麻醉组术后咽喉部不适等（0％VS．100％）,术后监护时间（4hVS．12h）,术后进食时间（2hVS．6h）均优于全身麻醉组。结论非气管内插管麻醉监护下局部麻醉胸腔镜双侧交感神经切断术安全可行,有效,避免了气管内插管全身麻醉的危害,更微创,是一种较好的治疗多汗症的快速康复外科方法。     

The effect of thoracoscopic sympathectomy on quality of life and symptom management of hyperhidrosis

BACKGROUND: Success with thoracoscopic sympathectomy (TS) for hyperhidrosis is 93% to 100%. We wished to determine if hyperhidrosis patients who do not undergo TS have decreased quality of life (QOL). STUDY DESIGN: Data collection was retrospective, with telephone calls to hyperhidrosis patients who qualified for sympathectomy. Data collection included assessing sweating severity; overall QOL; social, professional, and cosmetic satisfaction; and comfort with daily activities. RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2005, 60 patients met the criteria for sympathectomy. Twenty-two patients who qualified but did not undergo operations (no TS) and 26 TS patients were contacted. Change in symptoms on a 10-point scale for hands was: no TS, -0.30 and TS, -6.25, p < 0.0001, and QOL, on a 1-to-5 scale, increased (no TS, 0.27 and TS, 1.65, p=0.0003). Satisfaction was very good/excellent socially for 9 of 22 no TS patients and 23 of 26 TS patients (p=0.002); professionally for 12 of 22 no TS patients and 23 of 26 TS patients (p=0.021); and cosmetically for 10 of 22 no TS patients and 23 of 26 TS patients (p=0.004). Patients were very satisfied with shaking hands (9 of 22 no TS patients and 24 of 26 TS patients, p=0.0003); writing (9 of 11 no TS patients and 25 of 26 TS patients, p=0.0001); eating (11 of 22 no TS patients and 25 of 25 TS patients, p=0.0008). TS patients had more sweating on the abdomen (no TS patients, 0.0 and TS patients, 1.75, p=0.0001), on the groin (no TS patients, 0.00 and TS patients, 2.9, p=0.0009), and on the back (no TS patients, 0.48 and TS patients, 4.96, p=0.0001). QOL was very good/excellent at followup for 13 of 22 no TS patients and 23 of 26 TS patients (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: TS controls palmar hyperhidrosis, and, despite compensatory sweating, patients having the procedure are very satisfied. Patients who did not have surgery have decreased satisfaction, comfort, and QOL, and increased symptoms.     

Biportal thoracoscopic sympathectomy: surgical techniques and clinical results for the treatment of hyperhidrosis

OBJECTIVE: To describe a bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy procedure, using a biportal approach, for the treatment of severe hyperhidrosis. METHODS: Between May 1996 and September 2000, 103 consecutive patients underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy procedures to treat bilateral hyperhidrosis (206 procedures). Operative results, complications, and patient satisfaction were determined by reviews of hospital and office charts and by follow-up assessments in the outpatient clinic. Long-term results were determined with clinical examinations, follow-up office visits, and follow-up questionnaires. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients presented with primary palmar hyperhidrosis, eight with primary axillary hyperhidrosis, and two with primary craniofacial hyperhidrosis. Rates of complete resolution in the primary area affected were 100% in palmar and craniofacial cases and 75% in axillary cases. The average length of hospitalization was 1.06 days, and 96 patients (93.2%) were discharged on or before the end of the first postoperative day. Of 59 patients (57.3%) who developed compensatory hyperhidrosis, only 11 patients (10.7%) reported that it was bothersome and none considered it disabling. All postoperative complications were transient; five patients experienced unilateral Horner's syndrome, three patients experienced intercostal neuralgia, and two patients required a chest tube after surgery because of a pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy using a biportal approach effectively treats hyperhidrosis and is associated with short hospital stays, high patient satisfaction rates, and low rates of compensatory hyperhidrosis or other complications.     

头面多汗症的电视胸腔镜手术治疗

目的探讨电视胸腔镜下行交感神经链切断术治疗头面多汗症的有效性和安全性。方法2003年1月至2004年12月,经电视胸腔镜行交感神经链切断术治疗头面多汗症患者18例,其中男性17例、女性1例,平均年龄36．5岁(25—42岁)。10例合并双手多汗。全身麻醉,患者取450半坐仰卧位;交感链切断位置：单纯头面多汗者在星状神经节下缘水平切断,合并双手多汗者再加做T3水平切断(1例早期病例行T2-4切除手术,3例行T：夹闭手术)。结果无严重围手术期并发症及死亡。1例1侧手术因交感链切断位置偏低,术后患者该侧头面多汗部分缓解,其余18例患者共35侧手术术后多汗症状均完全缓解,有效率97％(35／36)。平均随访8．3个月(0．5-23．0个月)．无多汗复发病例。15例(83％)出现不同程度的躯体代偿性多汗,6例(33％)于冬季时觉手掌干皴,需要涂擦适量护肤油,但均可耐受。患者对手术结局均表示满意。结论经胸腔镜的交感神经链切断手术是头面部多汗症安全有效的治疗手段。     

Treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis using needlescopic T2 sympathetic block by clipping: analysis of 102 cases

Endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy, or sympathectomy by a 2-mm scope, is an effective method for treating palmar hyperhidrosis. However, postoperative compensatory sweating may be troublesome in some patients. We report needlescopic T2 sympathetic block by clipping, which may provide reverse operation for patients encountering compensatory sweating. Between January 1998 and January 2002, a total of 102 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathetic blocking of the T2 ganglion. There were 47 males and 55 females (mean age, 24.1 years; range, 9-50 years). All patients were placed in a semi-sitting position under single-lumen intubated anesthesia. We performed T2 sympathetic block by clipping at the second and third intercostal spaces using a 2-mm, 0 degrees thoracoscope. Among these 102 patients, all bilateral T2 sympathetic blockings were achieved. The operation was usually accomplished within 30 minutes (range, 16-40 minutes). All patients were discharged within 4 hours after the operation. There were no surgical complications or surgical mortality cases. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 37.1 months (range, 16-64 months). Improvement of palmar hyperhidrosis can be obtained in all patients. Eighty-six patients (84%) have developed compensatory sweating of the trunk and lower limbs. Two patients had a reverse operation and had improvement of compensatory sweating at 2 and 13 days after removal of endo clips. Needlescopic T2 sympathetic block by clipping is a safe and effective method for treating palmar hyperhidrosis; compensatory sweating may be improved after reverse operation removal of endo clip.     

自制穿刺式电刀在微型胸腔镜治疗手汗症中的应用

目的探讨微型胸腔镜下用穿刺式电刀行胸交感神经切断术治疗手汗症的可行性。方法 2005年3月～2010年2月,用克氏针加绝缘胶套自制成穿刺式电刀,在2 mm胸腔镜监视下,用穿刺式电刀在第4肋间腋中线处穿刺进入胸腔,行双侧T3、T4交感神经切断术治疗37例手汗症。结果 37例手术均获成功,手术时间27～40 min,平均32 min。术后3～5 d出院,平均4.5 d。术后5例少量气胸,其中1例须胸腔穿刺。随访6～24个月,平均18个月,无复发,双手干燥1例,躯干代偿性多汗4例。结论微型胸腔镜下用穿刺式电刀行胸交感神经切断术治疗手汗症可行,疗效确切,创伤小,安全性高。     

Severity of compensatory sweating after thoracoscopic sympathectomy

Background

Compensatory sweating is a well-known side effect after sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis. It is often claimed to correlate with the extent of sympathectomy, but results from the literature are conflicting, and few have actually considered differences in the intensity of compensatory sweating.

Methods

A total of 158 patients underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis or blushing, or both. Sympathectomy was performed bilaterally at Th2 for facial hyperhidrosis/blushing (n = 49), Th2-3 for palmar hyperhidrosis (n = 62), and Th2-4 for axillary hyperhidrosis (n = 47).

Results

Follow-up by questionnaire was possible in 94% of patients after a median of 26 months. Compensatory sweating occurred in 89% of patients and was so severe in 35% that they often had to change their clothes during the day. The frequency of compensatory sweating was not significantly different among the three groups, but severity was significantly higher after Th2-4 sympathectomy for axillary hyperhidrosis (p = 0.04). Gustatory sweating occurred in 38% of patients, and 16% of patients regretted the operation.

Conclusions

Compensatory and gustatory sweating were remarkably frequent side effects after thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis. We found no significant difference between the level of sympathectomy and the occurence of compensatory sweating. However, it appears that this is the first study to demonstrate that severe sweating is significantly more frequent after Th2-4 sympathectomy for axillary hyperhidrosis. We encourage informing patients thoroughly about these side effects before surgery.     

Extent of sympathectomy affects postoperative compensatory sweating and satisfaction in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis

Purpose

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis is generally performed at one or two levels ranging between T2 and T4; however, compensatory sweating (CS) is an occasional bothersome side effect. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between the extent of ETS and the degree of postoperative CS and palmar sweating, as well as patient satisfaction.

Methods

The participants represented a consecutive series of 76 patients who underwent bilateral ETS for palmar hyperhidrosis at level T2 and/or T3. Patients were interviewed by postal questionnaires to assess their self-reported degree of postoperative palmar sweating and CS and their outcome satisfaction. Of the 53 patients who replied to the postal questionnaire, 25 underwent bilateral ETS at one level (group A), and 27 underwent bilateral ETS at two levels (group B). One patient who underwent asymmetrical sympathectomy was excluded.

Results

The degree of postoperative palmar sweating was significantly lower in group B than in group A. The severity of CS was significantly higher in group B than in group A. The severity of CS was significantly inversely correlated with the degree of patient satisfaction. However, the degree of postoperative palmar sweating was not correlated with the degree of patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

Compared to ETS at two levels, single-level ETS of T2 or T3 reduces postoperative palmar sweating to a milder degree, and causes CS to a less severe degree. The severity of CS is inversely correlated with the degree of patient satisfaction.     

不同节段胸交感神经干切断术治疗手汗症疗效及术后代偿性多汗的比较（附1040例报告）

目的：比较胸腔镜下不同节段胸交感神经干切断术治疗手汗症的疗效和术后代偿性多汗的差异。方法本院自1995年7月至2011年12月,收治的原发性手汗症患者共1040例。依据切断胸交感神经节段的不同分为两组比较分析。A组（不保留T2神经节段）503例, B组（保留T2神经节段）537例。对上述两组病例进行随访观察,评定与比较两组之间的疗效以及代偿性多汗的发生情况。结果1040例患者随访到834例,随访率80.2%。到访两组手术成功率均为100%,术中、术后无严重并发症发生,术后12个月内两组代偿性多汗总体发生率37.8%（315/834）。两组代偿性多汗和重度代偿性多汗发生率的差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.01或＜0.05）。结论与经典的A组（不保留T2神经节段）胸交感神经干切断术相比,B组（保留T2神经节段）T3或T4胸交感神经干＋旁路切断术式疗效确切,且能明显减少代偿性多汗的发生率,是一种较为合理的术式。     

Video-assisted thoracic surgery sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis

HYPOTHESIS: Video-assisted thoracic surgery sympathectomy is efficacious for patients with hyperhidrosis. DESIGN: An experience with patients undergoing bilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery sympathectomy was reviewed to evaluate the operative technique and to determine morbidity and outcomes. SETTING: Academic health center. PATIENTS: The cohort included 31 patients (22 women and 9 men). All but 2 patients were of Asian descent, and the average age was 24.9 years. All patients had palmar hyperhidrosis. Two patients also had craniofacial hyperhidrosis, and another 2 had pedal hyperhidrosis. INTERVENTIONS: Bilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery sympathectomy with resection of the second and third ganglia was performed in all patients. Small chest tubes were removed on the first postoperative day. In 30 patients, the procedures were simultaneous; and in 1, it was staged to accommodate lumbar sympathectomy for pedal disease. RESULTS: Perioperatively, no patients died. The only hospital complication was an intraoperative injury to an intercostal artery that required conversion to an open thoracotomy. The average hospital length of stay was 1.2 days (range, 1-3 days). No patient developed Horner syndrome. Long-term follow-up was 2.6 years (range, 3 months to 7 years). Both hands in all patients were warm and dry at the last follow-up, as were the face and scalp in the 2 with craniofacial hyperhidrosis. Ten patients (32%) experienced compensatory sweating, which improved within 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: In this experience, palmar hyperhidrosis is predominantly a disease of young Asian women. Simultaneous bilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery sympathectomy is effective and can be accomplished with minimal morbidity and a short hospitalization. Compensatory sweating occurs in a third of patients, but is generally self-limiting.     

电视胸腔镜胸交感神经干切断术治疗手汗症588例疗效分析

目的探讨电视胸腔镜胸交感神经切断术（ETS）各种术式治疗手汗症的疗效和预防并发症的经验。方法我院2003年1月至2007年5月共施行588例ETS,按不保留胸2交感神经干（T2）和保留T2分为A、B两组,对两组患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果全组患者均在胸腔镜下完成手术,无手术死亡和严重并发症。全组患者手掌和头面部多汗症状治疗有效率达99．8％,腋窝和足底多汗症状的缓解率分别达84．0％和71．0％。全组患者随访时间为1～48个月,平均（20．3±2．3）个月。10例术后1周内出现一过性手掌多汗,均在1～3d内自行消失;2例术后1～2个月发生味觉性多汗;1例术后8个月单侧手掌多汗症状复发。A组术后代偿性多汗发生率（28．0％）低于B组（13．4％）。结论ETS治疗手汗症安全、有效,保留T：能降低术后代偿性多汗的发生率。