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.