Population-based analysis of the epidemiology of the surgical correction of hyperhidrosis in 1,216 patients over 11 years: a cross-sectional study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is the definitive surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis and a nationwide study has suggested that cultural and socioeconomic factors play a role in the numbers of operations performed. Thus, there is a need to evaluate local data in order to understand the local epidemiology and trends in hyperhidrosis treatment. OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiology of sympathectomy for treating hyperhidrosis in São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Population-based retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data on sympathectomies for treating hyperhidrosis between 2008 and 2018 were assessed from the database of the Municipal Health Department of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: 65.29% of the patients were female, 66.2% were aged between 20 and 39 years and 37.59% had registered with addresses outside São Paulo. 1,216 procedures were performed in the city of São Paulo from 2008 to 2018, and 78.45% of them were in only two public hospitals. The number of procedures significantly declined over the years (P = 0.001). 71.63% of the procedures were associated with 2-3 days of hospital stay, only 78 intensive care unit days were billed and we did not observe any intra-hospital death. CONCLUSION: The profile of patients operated on in São Paulo (young women) is similar to that described in other populations. Sympathectomy is a very safe procedure, with no mortality in our series. There was a decreasing trend in the number of surgeries over the years.

Diagnosis, impact and management of hyperhidrosis including endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy

@#Introduction: Hyperhidrosis is a disorder of excessive and uncontrollable sweating beyond the body’s physiological needs. It can be categorised into primary or secondary hyperhidrosis based on its aetiology. Detailed history review including onset of symptoms, laterality of disease and family history are crucial which may suggest primary hyperhidrosis. Secondary causes such as neurological diseases, endocrine disorders, haematological malignancies, neuroendocrine tumours and drugs should be adequately examined and investigated prior to deciding on further management. The diagnosis of primary hyperhidrosis should only be made only after excluding secondary causes. Hyperhidrosis is a troublesome disorder that often results in social, professional, and psychological distress in sufferers. It remains, however, a treatment dilemma among some healthcare providers in this region. Methods: The medical records and clinical outcomes of 35 patients who underwent endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis from 2008 to 2018 in Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery were reviewed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 27±10.1years, with male and female distribution of 18 and 17, respectively. Fifty-one percent of patients complained of palmar hyperhidrosis, while 35% of them had concurrent palmaraxillary and 14% had palmar-plantar-axillary hyperhidrosis. Our data showed that 77% (n=27) of patients were not investigated for secondary causes of hyperhidrosis, and they were not counselled on the non-surgical therapies. All patients underwent single-staged bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. There was resolution of symptoms in all 35 (100%) patients with palmar hyperhidrosis, 13(76%) patients with axillary hyperhidrosis and only 2 (50%) patients with plantar hyperhidrosis. Postoperatively 34.3% (n=12) of patients reported compensatory hyperhidrosis. There were no other complications such as pneumothorax, chylothorax, haemothorax and Horner’s Syndrome. Conclusion: Clinical evaluation of hyperhidrosis in local context has not been well described, which may inadvertently result in the delay of appropriate management, causing significant social and emotional embarrassment and impair the quality of life of the subjects. Detailed clinical assessment and appropriate timely treatment, be it surgical or non-surgical therapies, are crucial in managing this uncommon yet distressing disease.

Estandarización de una técnica en el tiempo y su impacto en los resultados para hiperhidrosis palmar primaria / Our technique standardization on time and how impact over outcomes for primary palmar hiperhidrosis

Resumen Introducción: La hiperhidrosis palmar primaria es un problema médico frecuente. Minimizar la invasión, simplificar y estandarizar la técnica supone mejores resultados. Objetivo: Evaluar eficacia y seguridad con la aplicación de nuestra técnica simplificada y estandarizada, a través de su impacto en los resultados trans y postoperatorio para la hiperhidrosis palmar primaria (HPP). Materiales y Método: Se realiza estudio observacional que evalúa los resultados obtenidos con la aplicación de nuestra técnica estandarizada para el tratamiento de HPP. El universo está constituido por 359 pacientes intervenidos entre 2007 y 2011. El control hasta los 5 años fue posible en 298, los que constituyeron la muestra definitiva. Resultados: Se analizaron 298 pacientes (596 procedimientos). En el transoperatorio solo 3 pacientes (1%) presentaron alguna complicación. El manejo del dolor torácico fue la mayor dificultad inmediata a la cirugía, con 61,7% de dolor moderado y 15,2% severo. Último control a 5 años con curación en el 99,7% y una recidiva. Los índices de satisfacción se muestran en rango excelente según encuestas validadas. Manejo ambulatorio en 99%. Discusión: Aplicar intubación endotraqueal simple permite extrapolar ventajas ya conocidas de esta técnica y menos complicaciones respiratorias, suspensiones, uso de recursos costosos o personal muy calificado. La combinación de simplificar aspectos quirúrgicos y anestésicos permitieron estandarizar y simplificar nuestra técnica y con ello: no necesitar drenajes pleurales, menos dolor, recuperación casi inmediata de la fisiología respiratoria y alta precoz. Conclusión: Combinar el empleo de tubo endotraqueal simple y oxigenación apneíca con minimizar la invasión quirúrgica: puerto único, sin drenaje pleural y manejo ambulatorio constituyen una práctica segura para la simpatectomía torácica endoscópica, con mejores resultados postoperatorios, una vez logrado en entrenamiento necesario.

Introduction: Primary palmar hyperhidrosis is a frequent medical problem. Minimizing invasion, simplifying and standardizing technique means better results. Aim: To evaluate efficacy and safety with the application of our simplified and standardized technique, through its impact on trans and post-operative outcomes for primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH). Minimizing approach, simplifying and standardizing the technique should lead to better outcomes. Materials and Method: An observational study is carried out to evaluate the outcomes obtained with the application of our standardized technique for the treatment of PPH. The universe constituted by 359 patients treated between 2007 and 2011. Control up to 5 years was possible in 298, which constituted the definitive sample. Results: 298 patients (596 procedures) were analyzed. In the transoperative only 3 patients (1%) report minor complication. Thoracic pain management was the greatest difficulty immediate to surgery, with 61.7% moderate pain and 15.2% severe. Satisfaction indexes in excellent range according to validated surveys. Outpatient management in 99%. Discussion: Simple intubation avoids respiratory complications, suspensions, use of expensive resources or highly qualified personnel. Early pain relief, non-uses of pleural tubes or antibiotics allows rapid recovery and early discharge due to simplification and standardization of the technique. Conclusion: The use of simple endotraqueal tube and oxygenation in apnea, single port, without pleural drainage or antibiotics and ambulatory is a safe practice for endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, once achieved in necessary training.

Simpatectomía torácica, solución para hiperhidrosis / Toracic Sympathectomy, solution for hyperhidrosis

PREFACE: Videothoracoscopic sympathectomy (VTS) is the gold standard treatment for the upper extremity hyperhidrosis (HH) because it is safe and has good results. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively the long term results of VTS for the treatment of HH on 50 operated patients in the Maule Region from the year 2003 to september of 2015. METHODS: For axillary HH a T2 to T4 VTS was performed, and T3 VTS for palmar HH. All the patients were operated bilaterally through 2 axillary ports. The operatory sucess was evaluated through the persistence or not of sweating of the palm and armpit. Also, all the complications associated were registered. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in 96% of the patients, who reached anhidrosis in the palms and armpits. The most common complication was compensatory sweating, minimal to mild in 28% of the patients aproximately, severe only in one case; intense post operatory pain in 3 cases and sympathyc reinervation in 2 cases. There was no Infection, Horner syndrome, inthercostal arthery injury or mortality reported. CONCLUSION: The billateral VTS is an effective and safe procedure to obtain anhidrosis in patients with upper extremity hyperhidrosys.

Endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy:effects on the treatment of hyperhidrosis palmaris and quality of life / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy on the treatment of hyperhidrosis palmaris(sweaty hands)and quality of life.Methods The clinical data of 62 patients with sweaty hands admitted from June 2010 to May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.The 62 patients were randomly divided into two groups:thoracoscopic sympathectomy was performed at T2-3 in the control group,while at T3-4 in the experimental group.The self-reports of quality of life(QOL)before and after the operation were collected as follows:the severity of sweaty hands assessed by hyperhidrosis disease severity scale (HDSS:the higher score the more severe hyperhidrosis),the improvement of QOL assessed by sweaty hands assessment scale(the higher score the more improvement)and surgical efficacy.Results The improvements of HDSS and satisfaction score were higher in the experimental group than in the control group(P＜0.05).The differences between pre-and post-operation in the five dimensions of social interaction,gestation,daily behavior,work and social psychology were better in the experimental group than in the control group(all P＜ 0.05).Conclusions Thoracoscopic sympathectomy at T2-4 and T3-4 is an effective treatment for sweaty hands.But surgery at T3-4 levels,which is associated with a larger improvement in quality of life and fewer complications,is recommended as a priority option for a surgical treatment.

Effects of T3 or T4 sympathectomy through transumbilical-ultrafine gastroscopy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To compare the efficacy of transumbilical-ultrafine gastroscope sympathectomy for severe palmar hyperhidrosis using two distinct levels of T3 and T4.Methods A total of 84 cases with severe primary hyperhidrosis were randomly allocated to undergo either T3 sympathectomy treatment (T3 group, n =42) or T4 sympathectomy treatment (T4 group, n =42) with no difference between the two groups.The operation time, postoperative hospital stay, patient's hands hyperhidrosis, axillary hyperhidrosis,complications were recorded at follow-up in 1,3,6,12 months.Results Operation on 84 patients were successful with mean operative time of T3 group being 55.02 ± 10.61 min and T4 group being 55.36 ± 10.51 min(P ＞ 0.05).The mean postoperative hospital stay were both 1.5 days.Patients were followed up for diaphragmatic hernia, umbilical hernia, Horner's syndrome and other serious complications for 12 months.No postoperative recurrence of palmar hyperhidrosis, severe compensatory sweating occurred in either group.The number of improved patients in T3 group's palmar hyperhidrosis,axillary hyperhidrosis, and foot hyperhidrosis were :42/42 cases, 10/16 cases, 21/29 cases, while those in T4 group were: 42/42 cases,16/17 cases 18/28 cases.Axillary hyperhidrosis improved to a larger extent in T4 group than in T3 group (P ＜0.05).There were 16(15 mild and 1 moderate)compensatory sweating in T3 group and 7(6 mild and 1 moderate) compensatory sweating in T4 group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion T3 and T4 thoracic sympathectomy using transumbilical-ultrafine gastroscope for primary palmar hyperhidrosis are safe, effective, and feasible.T4 sympathectomy is more effective in improving axillary hyperhidrosis than T3 and shows lower occurrence of postoperative compensatory hyperhidrosis.

The clinical experience of T3-4 thoracic sympathectomy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical experience of T3-4 thoracic sympathectomy in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis.Methods The clinical data of 80 patients with primary hyperhidrosis who underwent T3-4 thoracic sympathectomy were analyzed retrospectively.Results The operation was successfully performed on all patients.The symptom of palmar hyperhidrosis vanished in all patients,the operative time was (42.5 ± 15.7) min,the length of stay in hospital was (3.9 ± 0.6) d.No death and Horner syndrome occurred.All the patients were followed up for 6-24 months,compensatory hyperhidrosis was found in 26 patients,and no recurrence was found.Conclusion T3-4 thoracic sympathectomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for primary hyperhidrosis.

Combined effects of bilateral thoracic sympathectomy and hypercarbia on common carotid blood flow volume in dogs

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of acute hypercarbia during endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is not rare when CO2 gas is used to collapse lung. Upper thoracic sympathectomy can increases cerebral blood flow (CBF) and hypercarbia also increases CBF. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in common carotid blood flow volume (CCBFV) before and after T2 thoracic sympathectomy at normocarbia and hypercarbia. METHODS: In nine anesthetized and mechanically ventilated dogs, we checked CCBFV using an ultrasonic flow probe under four experimental conditions: 1) before T2 sympathectomy at normocarbia, 2) before T2 sympathectomy at hypercarbia, 3) after T2 sympathectomy at normocarbia, and 4) after T2 sympathectomy at hypercarbia. We also measured heart rate, blood pressure and PaCO2 at each time. RESULTS: Hypercarbia increased CCBFV from 105.2 +/- 47.9 ml/min to 192.3 +/- 85.4 ml/min. In T2 sympathectomy/normocarbia state, CCBFV increased to 152.2 +/- 62.0 ml/min. In T2 sympathectomy/hypercarbia state, CCBFV increased to 230.2 +/- 100.1 ml/min. CCBFV in hypercarbia state, sympathectomy state and sympathectomy/hypercarbia state showed significant increases compared with those in baseline (P < 0.05). CCBFV in hypercarbia state and sympathectomy/hypercarbia state showed significant increases compared with those in sympathectomy state (P < 0.05). But CCBFV in hypercarbia state and sympathectomy/hypercarbia did not showed significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: This result suggests that hypercarbia increases CCBFV more than sympathetic denervation and thoracic sympathectomy under hypercarbia condition increases CCBFV more than sympathectomy only.

Objective evaluation of plantar hyperhidrosis after sympathectomy

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to prospectively, randomly, blindly, and objectively investigate how surgery affects plantar sudoresis in patients with palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis over a one-year period using a sudorometer (VapoMeter). METHODS: From February 2007 to May 2009, 40 consecutive patients with combined palmar hyperhidrosis and plantar hyperhidrosis underwent video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy at the T3 or T4 ganglion level (15 women and 25 men, with a mean age of 25 years). RESULTS: Immediately after the operation and during the one-year follow-up, all of the patients were free from palmar hyperhidrosis episodes. Compensatory hyperhidrosis of varying degrees was observed in 35 (87.5%) patients after one year. Only two (2.5%) patients suffered from severe compensatory hyperhidrosis. There was a large initial improvement in plantar hyperhidrosis in 46.25% of the cases, followed by a progressive regression of that improvement, such that only 30% continued to show this improvement after one year. The proportion of patients whose condition worsened increased progressively (from 21.25% to 47.50%), and the proportion of stable patients decreased (32.5% to 22.50%). This was not related to resection level; however, a lower intensity of plantar hyperhidrosis prior to sympathectomy correlated with worse evolution. CONCLUSION: Patients with palmar hyperhidrosis and plantar hyperhidrosis who underwent video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy to treat their palmar hyperhidrosis exhibited good initial improvement in plantar hyperhidrosis, which then decreased to lesser degrees of improvement over a one-year period following the surgery. For this reason, video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy should not be performed when only plantar hyperhidrosis is present.

Long-term outcomes associated to video-assisted thoracic sympathotomy for palmar-axillar subtype of the hyperhidrosis / Resultados tardios da simpatotomia torácica vídeo-assistida para tratamento do subtipo palmar-axilar de hiperidrose

OBJECTIVE: Surgery for both palmar and axillar hyperhidrosis usually includes the interruption of the sympathetic chain in multiple levels. This study aimed to determine the long-term outcomes associated to video-assisted thoracic sympathotomy (VATS) of T2, T3 and T4 ganglia for these cases. METHODS: Analysis of the outcomes obtained from 36 patients regarding the rate of resolution of the symptoms and the compensatory sweating (CS). All subjects were followed-up for 36 months. RESULTS: Good outcomes were observed in 98.6% for palmar and 60% for axillary hyperhidrosis (p=0.0423), respectively. Of the subjects, 86% reported some postoperative episode of CS, however only 45% (p=0.0031) still noticed it at the end of the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: VATS is effective for the excessive palmar sweating, whereas it is fully efficient for only two thirds of the cases sustaining associated axillar hyperhidrosis. CS is expected as a rule following the proposed operative protocol, however it is usually self-limited.

OBJETIVO: A cirurgia para hiperidrose palmar e axilar usualmente inclui a interrupção da cadeia simpático-torácica em múltiplos níveis. Este estudo objetivou apresentar os resultados tardios associados à simpatectomia torácica vídeo-assistida (STVA) dos gânglios T2,T3 e T4 nesses casos. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os resultados cirúrgicos obtidos em 36 pacientes quanto à taxa de resolução dos sintomas e à ocorrência de hiperidrose compensatória (HC). Todos os sujeitos foram acompanhados por 36 meses. RESULTADOS: Bons resultados foram observados em 98,6% dos pacientes para a forma palmar e em 60% para a forma axilar (p=0,0423). Em 86% dos casos, havia relato de algum episódio de HC, mas apenas 45% ainda notavam sua ocorrência ao final do período de acompanhamento. CONCLUSÕES: A STVA é eficaz para o tratamento da hiperidrose palmar, mas mostrou-se plenamente satisfatória em apenas dois terços dos casos associados à forma axilar. A HC deve ser considerada ocorrência esperada no protocolo cirúrgico; no entanto, evolui de maneira autolimitada na maioria dos casos.

Cardiovascular collapse developing during thoracoscopic thoracic sympathectomy in a patient with essential palmar hyperhidrosis: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Thoracoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (TTS) is usually a safe and uncomplicated procedure for treating essential palmar hyperhidrosis. However, we report a case of cardiovascular collapse that developed in a healthy patient undergoing TTS. The surgeon performed the left sympathectomy without incident. However, scarcely had an incision been made in the skin of the right chest when the patient developed sinus bradycardia and sudden, severe hypotension. Pulseless ventricular tachycardia occurred immediately thereafter, which rapidly progressed to ventricular fibrillation and cardiovascular collapse. The patient required resuscitation with 200 J of direct current shock defibrillation along with an intravenous injection of epinephrine 1 mg. She recovered without sequelae. We believe the Bezold-Jarisch reflex was triggered by pooling of venous blood and surgical stimuli, and the patient developed cardiovascular collapse as a result.

The Change of Skin Temperature after Thoracic Sympathectomy in Patients with Palmar Hyperhidrosis

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the change of temperature before and after thoracic sympathectomy in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis and to find the usefulness of infrared thermography for the assessment of effects of thoracic sympathectomy. METHOD: The skin temperature was measured before, one day and 30 days after sympathectomy in 28 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis. Temperature was recorded on forehead, cheek, neck, axilla, umbilicus and 6 sites of each hand and foot by infrared thermography and thermometer. Patient's satisfaction with operation was assessed by 10 point scale. RESULTS: All patient who had undergone sympathectomy showed significantly decreased discomfort owing to hyperhidrosis by 10 point scale (p<0.05). The temperature significantly elevated on postoperative 1 day and 30 days on both palms as compared with preoperative state, bilaterally (p<0.05). There were no significant differences of sole temperatures among preoperative, postoperative 1 day and postoperative 30 days, bilaterally. CONCLUSION: We proved significant effect of thoracic sympathectomy to the patients with palmar hyperhidrosis objectively, and we also quantified the elevation of palm temperature after sympathectomy.

Follow-up observations of 200 cases of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To assess the outcomes,complications,and quality of life following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy(ETS) of the T2~T4 ganglia for treating primary palmar hyperhidrosis(PH). Methods A total of 200 cases were followed with clinic checkups or telephone inquiries for a period of 1~28 months(mean,18.4 months). Results Of the 200 cases,8 cases were loss of follow-up and 192 cases obtained a complete and fully satisfactory alleviation of palmer and axillary hyperhidrosis.No recurrence and severe complications were found.The prime complication was compensatory hyperhidrosis(52/192,27.1%),whose incidence was slightly higher in female and severe patients and unrelated to age.Other complications included 1 case of pneumothorax and 1 case of pulmonary atelectasis. Conclusions Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy of the T_2~T_4 ganglia for palmar hyperhidrosis is effective,safe and reliable.The procedure improves patients' quality of life and gives satisfactory outcomes.However,all patients should be informed of the common complications,particularly compensatory hyperhidrosis,before the surgery.

CT-guided Chemical Thoracic Sympathectomy for Raynaud′s phenomenon / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To explore the effectiveness and safety of CT-guided chemical thoracic sympathectomy(CTS) for Raynaud′s phenomenon in the upper limbs.Methods Ten patients with Raynaud′s phenomenon in 20 limbs were enrolled in this study.Among the patients,4 were recurrent cases,who had undergone X-ray-guided CTS.Under CT guidance,a needle was punctured through the back skin to the second or third thoracic sympathetic ganglion beside the thoracic vertebrae,and then 3 ml of 5% phenol was injected into each located point.Results After the treatment,10 limbs achieved excellent outcomes,3 were good,4 were improved,and 3 were non-effective.The totally effective rate was 85.0%(17/20).The effective rate was 92.9%(13/14) in the limbs with primary Raynaud′s phenomenon,66.7%(4/6) in those with secondary Raynaud′s phenomenon,and 75.0%(6/8) for the recurrent cases.No patient developed pneumothorax. Conclusions CT-guided CTS is a minimally invasive surgery for Raynaud′s phenomenon in upper limbs with a high effective rate.The procedures can be used to treat recurrent cases.

Chemical thoracic sympathectomy for Raynaud's phenomenon: Report of 73 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To summarize the experience of fluoroscopy-guided chemical thoracic sympathectomy(CTS) for the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon.Methods A series of 73 cases of Raynaud's phenomenon(141 upper limbs) treated with CTS from March 2001 to September 2005 in this hospital was chronologically divided into two groups: the Group A between March 2001 and December 2002 and the Group B between January 2003 and September 2005.In the Group A,under the guidance of X-ray fluoroscopy,a needle was punctured through the back skin to the second or the third thoracic sympathetic ganglion beside the thoracic vertebrae and 2 ml of 5% phenol was injected.In the Group B,when the needlepoint reached the rear edge of target thoracic vertebra,2~3 ml of anesthetic was injected.Then the needle was advanced sequentially untill the needlepoint reached the sympathetic ganglion.Other manipulation was the same with the Group A. Results The incidence of pneumothorax in the Group A(28.4%,19/67) exceeded greatly that in the Group B(4.1%,3/74)(?~2=15.773,P=0.000).The effective rate in the Group A(77.6%,52/67) was much lower than that in the Group B(97.3%,72/74)(?~2=12.851,P=0.000).Between the two groups,differences of the incidence of axilla pain(Group A,2 limbs;Group B,5 limbs)(?~2=0.411,P=0.521),bradycardia(Group A,1 case;Group B,nil)(?~2=0.002,P=0.967),and Horner's syndrome(Group A,1 case;Group B,1 case)(?~2=0.000,P=1.000) were not statistically significant.Conclusions Pneumothorax is a common complication of chemical thoracic sympathectomy.Improvement of procedure can reduce the incidence of pneumothorax and increase the effective rate.

A case of difficult endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy caused by thick-sticky pleural cavity

Introduction of 3 cases of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy with thick-sticky pleural cavity to treat hyperhidrosis. These patients were operated under endotracheal anesthesia with Carten tube. The patients lied on one side, prone 450. There were 2 cases of right thick-sticky pleural cavity, 1 case of left thick-sticky pleural cavity. All of 3 cases were put drain in pleural cavity after gas discharge and fluid suck, following-up after 12 hours, taking thoracic X-ray and withdrawing drainage. A good operative result was observed in 3 cases

A clinical study on endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for palamar hyperhidrosis / 重庆医科大学学报

Objective:To investigate the outcomes,complications and safety about Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.Methods:Analyzing the results and complications about the 336 cases,who were received Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for treating palmar hyperhidrosis from Jan.2005 to Sep.2008,and were followed up.Results:All of their hands became dry and warm after operation.326 patiens were followed-up for 1 to 45 months,and 25.4 months on average.The total Results:No recurrence.Compensatory hyperhidrosis was found in 42 cases(12.88%).Conclusions:It is effective,safer and mini-trauma that Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for treating palmar hyperhidrosis.

Thoracic sympathectomy under video mediastinoscopy for palmar hyperhidrosis: Report of 55 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility of thoracic sympathectomy under video mediastinoscopy (VM) for palmar hyperhidrosis. Methods Operations on 55 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were performed under general anesthesia with double lumen endotracheal tube placement. The patients were maintained in the 30?～45? semi-sitting position, with abduction of both arms to 90?. The VM entered the thoracic cavity via the third intercostal space on the anterior axillary line. The T 2～T 4 sympathetic ganglions were resected by electrocautery. Results Hyperhidrosis disappeared postoperatively in all the cases. The temperature of patients' both hands increased by 1.5～3 ℃,with their both hands becoming dry and warm. The operation time was 20～40 min (mean, 30 min) and the hospital stay was 3～7 d (mean, 4 d). No severe complications occurred. Mild subcutaneous emphysema along with pneumothorax was found in 3 cases and compensatory hyperhidrosis in the trunk happened in 5 cases. Conclusions Thoracic sympathectomy under VM is less invasive and simpler than that under video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis, being a feasible alternative.

Chemical thoracic sympathectomy for Raynaud disease / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To investigate the therapeatic effects of chemical thoracic sympathectomy (CTS) for Raynaud disease. Methods A niddle was injected into the first or second thoraic vertebra from back. A X-ray examination was performed to definite the position of the niddle tip. One millilitre of urographine was injected to determine if it was infused into thoracic cavity. If not, 2 ml of 5% phenol was injected and the niddle was removed. Results Within 10 minutes both pairs of the hands of the two patients with Raynaud's disease turned into flushing and warm from pallor and cool after CTS. Ice-water test changed to negative. Conclusions CTS is of simple, microinvasive and low cost procedure for Raynaud's disease.

Permanent cure for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis

Thirty patients with Essential Palmar and/or Axillary hyperhidrosis have been treated permanently by Endoscopic Thoracic SympathectomyThe technique is recommended because it is the least invasive, most precise and the simplest of the definitive treatment for this benign but bothersome conditionComparing with the open techniques we noted a marked increase in both patient and Physician acceptance of the treatment for Essential Palmar and/or Axillary Hyperhidrosis. (Author)