Evaluation of compensatory sweating after bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis

The study is a retrospective review of 60 patients undergoing bilateral T2-T3 thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis in our department between 1997 and 2003. The study was based on a telephone questionnaire and medical chart review. Forty patients (67%) replied to the questionnaire and were included in the study. Postoperative complications, therapeutic results, patient satisfaction, and the severity of compensatory sweating (CS) were assessed. In all patients both palms were dry at the end of surgery. Postoperative complications included permanent unilateral Horner syndrome, wound infection, and residual pneumothorax resolving after thoracal drainage, in one patient each. CS with different severity occurred in 35 patients (87.5%). Six patients (15%) regretted undergoing the operation due to the extent and severity of the CS seriously affecting their quality of life. Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is a simple procedure with a high success rate. However, CS is a serious complication and a significant number of patients may regret undergoing the operation; a careful selection of patients and comprehensive explanation are advisable.     

Early experience with thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.

Excessive craniofacial, palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis can be very distressing in young people, especially in hot climates. In this study, we are presenting our operative experience and the long-term effect of the technique of thoracospic electrocoagulation of the thoracic sympathetic chain in the treatment of this condition. We reviewed the results of 22 thoracoscopies performed on 16 patients at Asir Central Hospital in Abha, Saudi Arabia during the period from January 1999 to December 2002. The patients were 11 males and five females with a mean age of 26.9+/-5 years (range 19-35 years). Except for one patient who presented with post-traumatic, left upper limb chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), the rest presented with craniofacial, palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. In the first 10 patients, sympathectomy was performed unilaterally and in the following six patients it was performed bilaterally in the same sitting. While pneumothorax occurred in three patients (19%), only one patient (6%) required chest tube insertion. During the mean follow-up period of 25.6+/-14.2 months (range 4-47 months), only one patient (6%) presented with recurrent left axillary hyperhidrosis. The patient underwent another thoracoscopy which failed due to lung adhesions and required subcutaneous electrocautery of the sweat glands. In conclusion, thoracoscopic sympathectomy is very effective (94%) in the treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis with no mortality, minimal morbidity and durable long-term effect.     

电视胸腔镜胸交感神经干切断术治疗手汗症50例

目的探讨电视胸腔镜胸交感神经干切断术治疗手汗症疗效。方法双腔气管插管全麻,45°半坐位,两臂外展90°固定。术侧腋中线第5肋间做0.5~1.5 cm切口为胸腔镜观察孔,腋前线第3肋间胸大肌后做0.3~0.5 cm切口为操作孔,电视胸腔镜下行T2~T4交感神经干切断术。结果50例术后双手立即干燥、红润,手温升高0.2~4.6℃。3例术后少量气胸(肺压缩10%~20%),未发生霍纳综合征等严重并发症。31例术后3~15 d出现代偿性多汗,轻度11例,中度20例,多汗部位前胸13例,后背11例,腹部2例,大腿4例,小腿1例。50例随访1~14个月,平均7个月,无复发。结论电视胸腔镜胸交感神经干切断术是治疗手汗症安全、可行、有效的方法。     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: results in 102 cases

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term outcome of video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy for idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis. Between January 1996 and December 2000, a total of 67 patients underwent 102 sympathectomy procedures with excision of the sympathetic chain between the second and fourth sympathetic ganglion. The mean duration of hospitalization was 1.7 ± 0.6 days. Five patients were lost to follow-up. Mean duration of follow-up for the 96 sympathectomy procedures in the remaining 62 patients was 38 ± 6.3 months. Patient outcome showed that video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy is the treatment of choice for idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis. Long-term patient satisfaction is excellent.     

Upper dorsal thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: Improved intermediate-term results

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate and mid-term results of thoracoscopic upper dorsal (T₂-T₃) sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis.Methods: From June 1993 to October 1994 we performed 106 sympathectomies on 53 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis. Thirty-four female patients and 19 male patients ranging in age from 15 to 44 years, (mean 23.1 years) were studied. Both sides were operated during the same surgical procedure. The T₂-T₃ganglia were resected by electrocuting with a hook and were removed for histologic examination. Follow-up for a mean of 19.25 months was obtained on 52 patients (104 operated limbs).Results: All limbs were completely dry at the end of the procedure, and hyperhidrosis did not recur during the whole follow-up period. Short-term postoperative complications (mainly atelectasis, pneumonia, pneumothorax, and hemothorax) occurred in six (11.3%) patients. Long-term sequelae were observed in 43 (81.1%) patients and included Horner's syndrome (9 patients, 17.3%, one side only in each patient), neuralgia (7 patients, 13.5%), and compensatory hyperhidrosis (35 patients, 67.3%). These sequelae were not permanent in all cases, and the degree of severity was variable. Six (11.5%) patients, three of whom regretted being operated, were dissatisfied with their results: one because of Horner's syndrome, one because of persisting neuralgia, and four because of compensatory sweating.Conclusions: Despite the large number of postoperative long-term sequelae, 88.5% of patients expressed subjective satisfaction from the procedure. Obtaining 100% of dry hands on mid-term follow-up makes this approach rewarding. (J Vasc Surg 1996;24:194-9.)     

Minimally invasive thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis via a transaxillary single-port approach

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the mid-term outcome (average follow-up 10 months, range 6-18 months) and value of transaxillary single-port thoracic sympathectomy using a thoracoscope with an operating channel for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Between December 1992 and October 2002, 176 consecutive patients (94 men, 82 women, mean age 21 years) with hyperhidrosis underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy via a 12-mm single-port approach. Data on postoperative morbidity and outcome were analyzed to validate the technique. Mean operative time per side was 9 min; there was no conversion to an open procedure. Ninety-five percent of the patients were discharged the next day. Thirty-day mortality was zero. Complications included unilateral transient Horner's syndrome (n=1), residual pneumothorax requiring chest drainage from the port entry (n=4), and segmental atelectasis of the lung (n=4) which was treated conservatively. Complete relief of symptoms was observed in all patients at the 6-month follow-up; 45% experienced compensatory hyperhidrosis. Single-port thoracoscopic sympathectomy produces excellent medical and cosmetic results in patients with hyperhidrosis, and is associated with a short hospital stay and a low risk of complications. Overall satisfaction is high. A few patients may experience compensatory symptoms.     

腋下单孔交感链切断术治疗手汗症

目的探讨胸腔镜经腋下单孔T3、T4交感神经链切断术治疗手汗症的治疗效果和技术要点。方法2008年5月至2010年8月采用胸腔镜经腋下单孔T3、T4交感神经链切断术治疗手汗症患者36例,通过分析临床指标,评价该术式的有效性、安全性。结果均通过腋下单孔完成手术,无延长及增加切口者。术后单侧气胸1例,无Homer’s综合征及其他严重并发症。36例手汗症状均完全缓解,轻度代偿性多汗13例（36．1％）,中度2例（5．56％）,无重度代偿性多汗。结论胸腔镜经腋下单孔T3、T4交感链切断术治疗手汗症是一种安全、有效、微创的手术方式。     

Intrapleural analgesia following thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: a prospective,randomized trial

BACKGROUND: Reports on intrapleural analgesia (IPA) are conflicting. The current study assessed the effect of a single-dose thoracoscopic bilateral intrapleural anesthetic administration on the immediate postoperative recovery room and 24-h pain control. METHODS: Fifty patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis were randomly classified into two groups to receive either 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and 5 mg/ml epinephrine or 0.9% NaCl in each thoracic cavity at the end of thoracoscopic T2-T3 sympathectomy. The degree of early postoperative pain was estimated by visual analog scale (VAS). The 24-h parenteral opioid analgesic requirement was recorded. RESULTS: The immediate postoperative VAS score (1.46 +/- 0.41 vs 2.0 +/- 0.61, p = 0.03), opioid consumption (0.42 +/- 0.36 vs 0.65 +/- 0.28, p = 0.0133), and 24-h opioid consumption (1.02 +/- 0.80 vs 1.48 +/- 0.84, p = 0.05) were significantly reduced following IPA compared to those of the control group. CONCLUSION: IPA is a simple and effective means for postoperative pain control following thoracoscopic upper dorsal sympathectomy.     

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis

BACKGROUND: Upper thoracoscopic sympathectomy, obtained either by ablation or resection of the appropriate ganglia, is now the preferred treatment for primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Therefore, we undertook a review to compare the relative efficacy of these two techniques. METHODS: A Medline search was performed for the years 1974-99 to identify all published studies of thoracoscopic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis. RESULTS: In all, 33 studies were identified and divided into two groups-ablation and resection. When the resection method was used, the immediate success rate was 99.76%, whereas the ablation method achieved dry hands in 95.2% of cases (p = 0.00001). Palmar sweating recurred in 0% of patients treated via resection and -4.4% treated with ablation. Ptosis was noted in 0.92% of cases after ablation and in 1.72% after resection (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Resection yields superior results, yet the majority of surgeons ablate, probably because it is easier, requires a shorter operating time, leads to fewer cases of Horner's syndrome, and because resympathectomy eventually overcomes initial failure.     

Laser endoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis palmaris is a common disorder among the Orientals. Despite numerous therapeutic modalities in practice, none has proved entirely satisfactory. With the introduction of video-endoscopic surgery, we combined this system with a fiber optic Nd-YAG laser unit, electrocautery, and a laser Doppler flowmeter to design a new and promising therapeutic technique for palmar hyperhidrosis. General anesthesia with alternating one-lung ventilation is essential for a safe and smooth endoscopic sympathectomy. An operating endoscope was introduced into thoracic cavity via the second intercostal space and then attached to a CCD camera video system, which provided clear visibility of the sympathetic trunk in most cases. The proper level of the sympathetic trunk was further confirmed with the aid of vasomotor response of the palmar skin resulting from electric stimulation on the related sympathetic trunk. Finally, the confirmed target was precisely vaporized with a low power Nd-YAG laser through an endoscope. Twenty patients underwent bilateral sympathectomy, mostly on T2 and its adjacent trunk. This technique did not cause any injury to the lung or bleeding. No Horner's syndrome was produced. It provided a precise ganglionectomy on a confirmed target under clear magnified vision. Consequently, a definite and long-lasting therapeutic effect seemed warranted. It was considered to be a relative minor and safe procedure causing minimal discomfort and an almost invisible scar without producing serious complications. It also shortened the operation time and hospital stay remarkably in comparison with other open sympathectomy procedures.     

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。     

针型胸腔镜胸交感神经干切断术治疗手汗症

目的 探讨针型胸腔镜胸交感神经切断术治疗手汗症的安全性和有效性.方法 2004年3月-2005年4月,采用2 mm针型胸腔镜和器械治疗手汗症患者62例,其中男性23例、女性39例,年龄12～53岁,平均23岁.16例患者为手掌中度出汗,46例为重度出汗;8例合并明显腋下出汗.全身麻醉双腔气管插管,依次完成双侧胸交感神经干切断术,对单纯手汗症,仅将位于第2和第3肋骨头表面的交感神经干切断;对合并腋下多汗者,同时切断第4肋骨头表面的交感神经干,术中通过手掌温度和血流量监测判断疗效.结果 全组手术顺利,术毕患者手掌多汗的症状即消失,术中监测交感神经干切断前后手掌温度平均升高2.4℃,手掌血流量明显增加.术后平均住院1.2 d.54例（87%）患者1周内恢复正常的学习、工作或生活.随访1～13个月,平均6.3个月,手汗症状无一例复发,足底多汗和腋下出汗均有明显好转,26例（42%）患者出现代偿性多汗,均能耐受.结论 针型胸腔镜胸交感神经干切断术治疗手汗症安全、有效,较常规胸腔镜手术更为微创.     

胸腔镜下T2～4交感神经链切断术治疗手足多汗症的疗效观察

目的:探讨21例手足多汗症患者行胸腔镜下T2-4交感神经链切断术的疗效。方法:21例患者均在胸腔镜下行双侧T2-4交感神经链切断术,术中监测双手掌、双足体温变化,术后随访、评价手足多汗消失情况。结果:21例患者术后手汗均消失,19例足汗消失,2例减轻。4例术后出现代偿性多汗。结论:胸腔镜下T2-4交感神经链切断术是治疗手足多汗症的有效手段。     

Upper dorsal thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis. The use of harmonic scalpel versus diathermy.

BACKGROUND: Upper dorsal thoracoscopic sympathectomy, the treatment of choice for primary palmar hyperhidrosis, is not devoid of long-term complications, like Horner's syndrome and postoperative neuralgia. It has been postulated that propagation of heat induced by diathermy may be responsible for some of these sequelae. To assess this hypothesis, a study was undertaken to evaluate the use of harmonic scalpel, which does not dissipate heat. METHOD: Sixteen patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis underwent upper dorsal thoracoscopic sympathectomy using the harmonic scalpel on one side and diathermy on the other. Follow-up was made two years postoperatively. RESULTS: The length of the procedure with each instrument was similar. There was no localization of postoperative pain, which could be attributed to either device. No Horner's syndrome or postoperative neuralgia occurred. CONCLUSION: The present study proved the safe use of harmonic scalpel for upper dorsal thoracoscopic sympathectomy, but did not detect any important advantage of either instrument over diathermy.     

Needlescopic thoracic sympathectomy: treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis

BACKGROUND: Open thoracic sympathectomy has been the established option for patients with essential hyperhidrosis. Recently, video-assisted endoscopic sympathectomy has provided a simple, safe, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to the earlier technique. With advances in instrumentation, performing the procedure through 2-mm and 3-mm needlescopic ports is now possible. The authors evaluate the effectiveness of so-called needlescopic thoracic sympathectomy for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis. METHODS: Thirty five consecutive patients with a mean age of 24 years, including 23 men and 12 women, underwent bilateral needlescopic thoracic sympathectomies at the National University Hospital of Singapore. RESULTS: The mean operative duration was 56 minutes, and the mean hospital stay was 1.2 days. In no patient did Horner's syndrome or significant pneumothorax develop. The rate of success, defined as completely dry hands, was 97%. Two patients had unilateral recurrences that responded well to repeat needlescopic sympathectomies. We performed a total of 72 sympathectomies. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that the use of miniature port access sites produces excellent medical and cosmetic results and is associated with a short hospital stay and low risk of complications.