胸腔镜视下双侧胸交感神经干切断治疗原发性手汗症的临床分析

目的 总结在胸腔镜视下行双侧胸交感神经干切断术治疗手汗症的临床经验并分析其可行性.方法 2006年至2010年,在胸腔镜视下行双侧部分胸交感干切断术治疗手汗症23例.在胸腔镜视下电灼切断胸交感神经干(胸2～胸3),每3个月随访,以掌侧皮肤温度较术前升高1℃以上及干燥温暖为有效,手掌皮肤温度较术前增加小于1℃且仍潮湿者为无效.结果 23例患者术后手掌多汗症状立即消失,4例有背部或足底轻度代偿性出汗,无中度及以上代偿性多汗或其余严重并发症.术后随访时间为3个月至3年,平均18个月,无手汗复发,全部有效.结论 胸腔镜视下交感神经干切断术是一种治疗手汗症的安全有效的方法,且不难为手外科医师所掌握.     

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.     

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。     

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.     

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.     

The importance of classification in sympathetic surgery and a proposed mechanism for compensatory hyperhidrosis: experience with 464 cases

Background Compensatory hyperhidrosis is the most troublesome side effect and the leading cause of regret with sympathetic surgery. A new classification is proposed to make the procedure more selective and to minimize the side effects and regret rate. Also, a proposed mechanism for compensatory hyperhidrosis is discussed. Methods Between January 2002 and July 2003, 464 patients with various sympathetic disorders underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy/sympathicotomy (ETS) or sympathetic block by clipping (ESB) at various levels according to the authors’ classification. The surgery was performed on an outpatient basis. The rates of success, compensatory hyperhidrosis, and regret were recorded. Results All the patients were followed up for 17 to 35 months. All excessive sweating was effectively stopped to varying degrees. The 25 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis who insisted on receiving ETS of T4 experienced no compensatory hyperhidrosis. Of the 54 patients with facial blushing who received ESB of T2, 23 experienced compensatory hyperhidrosis. Nine patients expressed regret and requested removal of the clips. Of the 33 patients with craniofacial hyperhidrosis who received ESB of T3, 9 experienced compensatory hyperhidrosis. Three expressed regret, and reverse procedures were performed. For 324 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis receiving ESB of T4, no compensatory hyperhidrosis was found. Only two expressed regret because of discomfort. No compensatory hyperhidrosis or regret was noted with 28 patients who received ESB of T5 for axillary sweating. There was no recurrence in the entire series. Conclusions Different procedures are recommended for different sympathetic disorders according to the classification. The higher the level of sympathetic ganglion blockade, the higher is the regret rate. Therefore, for T2 and T3 ganglion, endoscopic thoracic sympathetic block by the clipping method is strongly recommended because of its reversibility.     

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: efficacy of T2 and T3 ganglion resection

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy has been considered an effective treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. However, the extent of resection has not been determined in terms of efficacy and complications. We compared the efficacy and complications of 2-ganglion and single-ganglion resection in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis. METHODS: From 1995 to 2000, 75 patients underwent resection of thoracic ganglion T2 and T3. From 2000 to 2003, 67 patients underwent resection of only the T2 ganglion. Eighty of the 142 patients (56%) answered a detailed questionnaire, the results of which were analyzed. RESULTS: Gender, age, family history, and distribution of sweating were similar in both groups. Recurrence rates 1 and 2 years after endoscopic thoracic ganglionectomy were between 0% and 3% in T2 and T3 resection, and between 15% and 19% in T2 resection only. In the combined T2 and T3 resection group, 100% of patients noticed compensatory sweating; in T2 resection, 90% of patients noticed compensatory sweating. As for rates of satisfaction, T2 and T3 resection was superior to T2 resection. CONCLUSIONS: High recurrence rates of palmar hyperhidrosis after single-ganglion resection are reported in the present study. Two-ganglion resection is a superior surgical method to prevent recurrence of palmar hyperhidrosis.     

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for palmar, axillary and plantar hyperhidrosis: intermediate-term results

From June 1996 to June 2000, 477 endoscopic thoracic sympathectomies (ETS) were performed in 242 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis. Among these, 190 patients were studied who received bilateral sympathectomy (T 2-T 3 ganglionectomy) and were followed for over six months. There were 114 females and 76 males with a mean age of 26 years. Palmar hyperhidrosis was found in all patients and axillary hyperhidrosis in 138 (73%) and plantar hyperhidrosis in 186 (98%) preoperatively. The degrees of palmar, axillary and plantar perspiration were checked immediately (1-2 weeks, 190 patients), as well as in the early (1 year, 190 patients) and late (2-4 years, 65 patients) postoperative periods. In all patients, the hands became dry or normal condition immediately after the operation, and this continued to late period. Disappearance or decrease of axillary sweating was found in 128 patients (93%) in the immediate period and 107 patients (78%) in the early period. Disappearance or decrease of plantar sweating was found in 134 patients (72%) in the immediate period and 115 patients (62%) in the early period. Among 65 patients examined in the late period, axillary hyperhidrosis was found in 24 (37%), and plantar hyperhidrosis was found in 52 (80%). Compensatory sweating was found in 80 patients (42%) in the immediate period and 137 patients (72%) in the early period. In the late period, compensatory sweating developed in 56 patients (86%). In the immediate period, 175 patients (92%) were satisfied with the results of the operation, but this decreased to 83% and 72% at early and late period. However ETS was remarkably effective for palmar or axillary hyperhidrosis and relatively effective for plantar hyperhidrosis, but development of compensatory sweating did occur in some cases.     

Optimal targeting of sympathetic chain levels for treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis: an updated systematic review

Background

Palmar hyperhidrosis involves excessive sweating of the palms, with no known etiology. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a safe and effective treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis, but compensatory hyperhidrosis is a common complication after ETS, leading to reduced patient satisfaction and postoperative quality of life. However, the appropriate level of the sympathetic chain to target with ETS to achieve maximum efficacy and reduce the risk of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) is controversial. In this systemic review, we investigated the appropriate level of sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.

Methods

PRISMA guidelines were implemented to complete a systematic review. We performed a computerized systematic literature search using PubMed and EMBASE from January 1990 to July 2016. We chose the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and the methodological index for non-randomized studies tool for examining study bias.

Results

A total of 4075 citations were identified, of which 91 were eligible for inclusion, including 68 observational studies and 23 comparative trials. In observational studies, sympathectomies showed similar efficacies for curing PH at different levels. However, T2-free groups (i.e., at levels T3, T4, or T3–T4 combined) could render a lower risk of Horner’s syndrome (0 vs. 1.21?±?0.49%, p?=?0.036) and CH (28.75?±?7.25 vs. 57.46?±?3.86, p?=?0.002) compared with T2 involved. In comparative trials, there were 12 studies describing the comparison between T2-free ETS and T2 involved, and 9 of 12 (75%) showed T2-free ETS could reduce the incidence of CH. Overall, lowering the level and limiting the extent of sympathectomy could reduce the incidence of complications.

Conclusions

Cumulative data from more than 13,000 patients suggest that ETS is a safe, effective, and reproducible procedure with a high degree of patient satisfaction. Currently available evidence suggests that T2-free ETS may reduce the incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis without compromising success rates and safety.

     

胸腔镜下胸交感神经干切断术治疗手汗症200例近远期随访报告

目的评价电视胸腔镜行双侧T2～T4交感神经干切断术治疗手汗症的结果、并发症及术后生活质量.方法200例术后患者采取门诊或电话随访,随访1～28个月,平均18.4月.结果200例中失访8例,随访192例术后手及腋窝多汗症状均消失,无一例复发.术后无严重并发症,主要并发症为转移代偿性多汗27.1%(52/192),气胸和肺不张各1例.其中女性及重度手汗症患者术后发生率稍高,与年龄无关.结论胸腔镜下T2～T4交感神经干切断术治疗手汗症有效、安全、可靠,提高了患者术后生活质量,患者对手术的满意度比较高.但是术前应对所有患者强调常见并发症特别是转移代偿性多汗发生的可能.     

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.     

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。     

二孔法胸腔镜下T_3胸交感神经链切断术治疗手汗症(附52例报告)

目的总结二孔法胸腔镜下T3胸交感神经链切断术治疗手汗症52例的临床经验。方法 2006年8月～2008年12月采用电视胸腔镜T3胸交感神经链切断术治疗手汗症。以掌侧皮肤温度较术前升高1～3℃以上及干燥温暖为有效,手掌皮肤温度较术前增加(1℃且仍为潮湿者为无效。结果 52例手术均获成功,术后患者手掌多汗症状消失,有效率为100%,术后掌温升高(2.6±0.7)℃。50例随访1.5～24个月,平均14.5月,无一例复发及严重代偿性多汗,轻度代偿性多汗6例,占12%(6/50)。结论二孔法电视胸腔镜下T3胸交感神经链切断术是治疗手汗症微创、安全和有效的方法 。     

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。     

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.     

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.     

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 long-term results of upper dorsal sympathetic ganglionectomy and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis

To assess and compare the long-term results of upper dorsal sympathetic ganglionectomy (UDS) and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), we examined 84 patients who underwent UDS and 71 patients who underwent ETS for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis. The period of follow-up ranged from 37 to 228 months. The immediate success rate was 100% in the UDS group and 98.6% in the ETS group. Troublesome compensatory hyperhidrosis occurred in 67.8% of the UDS patients and 84.8% of the ETS patients; however, 55% of the UDS patients and 63% of the ETS patients felt satisfied with their operation. The main reasons for dissatisfaction were recurrence and compensatory hyperhidrosis. Interestingly, simultaneous cure of plantar hyperhidrosis occurred in 28 (40%) of the UDS patients and 28 (44%) of the ETS patients with concomitant plantar hyperhidrosis. ETS required both a shorter operation time and hospital stay than UDS. Thus, we now perform ETS as the treatment of choice because of its excellent illumination and adequate magnification via a minimally invasive approach. The use of ETS as the first choice of treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis is supported not only by the immediate results, complications, and cure of plantar hyperhidrosis, but also by the long-term results. Nevertheless, compensatory hyperhidrosis was also a major complication after ETS.     

Limited endoscopic thoracic sympathetic block for hyperhidrosis of the upper limb: reduction of compensatory sweatng by clipping T4

Background: Endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy of T2 to T4 (ETS 2–4) has evolved into an effective treatment for severe hyperhidrosis of the upper limb. Complications such as bleeding or Horners syndrome are rare, but side effects such as compensatory and gustatory sweating occur in 30–50% of patients. Following the Lin-Telaranta classification, we aimed to reduce these side-effects by clipping T4 solely [endoscopic thoracic sympathetic block (ESB 4)]. We present our experience and clinical results using this method, with emphasis on patients quality of life. Methods: A total of 176 procedures (91 patients) were carried out in the ETS 2–4 group and 103 procedures (53 patients) in the ESB 4 group: 60.4 and 43.4% had palmar hyperhidrosis, 8.8 and 5.7% had isolated axillary, and 30.8 and 50.9% had combined manifestations, respectively. Follow-up was 22.1 months (obtained from 79.1% of patients) for the ETS 2–4 group and 7.5 months for the ESB 4 group (obtained from 88.7%). Results: The success rate was similar for both groups: 87.9 and 64.5% had completely dry limbs, 9.9 and 35.5% (p < 0.0002) were nearly dry, and 2.1 and 0% remained wet. (ETS 2–4 vs ESB 4). Although the armpits remained slightly humid in more patients in the ESB 4 group, 100% stated full satisfaction. Complications did not differ significantly. However, compensatory sweating (55.6 vs 8.5%, p = 0.0002) and gustatory sweating (33.3 vs 2.1%, p = 0.0019) were markedly reduced (ETS 2–4 vs ESB 4). Quality of life was assessed by a hyperhidrosis index, which significantly improved in most patients. Conclusions: ETS 2–4 and ESB 4 have similar success rates in the treatment of upper limb hyperhidrosis. The major side effects of compensatory and gustatory sweating were effectively reduced by the limited method of clipping T4, and patients satisfaction and improvement in quality of life were remarkable.