Changes of Both Palmar Temperature and Blood Flow after Limited Upper Thoracoscopic T2 Sympathicotomy

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Thoracoscopic T2 sympathicotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis has been recognized as an effective treatment. This study is performed to evaluate the changes in both palmar temperatures and blood flow after the thoracoscopic T2 sympathicotomy. METHODS: From January 2001 to April 2002, eighteen patients were treated by video-assisted endoscopic T2 sympathicotomy. All patients were treated for excessive sweating on palms with 2mm endoscopic sympathicotomy. The patients were evaluated for preoperative and postoperative temperature change on the finger. Preoperative and postoperative blood flows were measured by the Doppler examination on digital artery and radial artery. RESULTS: There were no operative deaths but some complications existed. (four pneumothorax and one subcataneous emphysema). The temperature difference between preopration and postoperation was 1.7degrees C on right hand and 1.8degrees C on left hand(P<0.05). Blood flow increased significantly. CONCLUSION: T2 sympathicotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis is a safe and effective treatment. Ipsilateral palmar temperature and blood flow increased due to the sympatholytic vasodilatation.