Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy in Hyperhidrosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recently thoracoscopic surgery is widely applied in thoracic surgical field and hyperhidrosis is one of the most frequently operated diseases. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From June 1997 to February 1998, 30 patients with hyperhidrosis underwent bilateral thoracic sympathectomy under thoracoscopy at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital. There were 10 males and 20 females whose mean age was 22.42+/-6.84 years ranging from 17 to 51. All patients underwent bilateral thoracic sympathectomy under semi-sitting position and two 5 mm sized trocars were inserted. RESULT: Mean operation time was 52.32+/-11.72 minutes and the mean elevation of palmar temperature after sympathectomy was 2.17+/-0.47degree C. Eighteen patients (60%) complained compensatory hyperhidrosis. All patients except one were able to discharge at the operation day or postoperative one day. There were no recurrence during follow up from 2 to 8 months (mean 5.30+/-2.17 months). CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is simple and effective technique in hyperhidrosis and widely applied indication will be necessary. We conclude that further discussion should be made about the resection area and method to get maximal effect and minimal side effect.