Single-center experience of thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis with long-term postoperative questionnaire survey.

OBJECTIVES: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is an effective treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. However, compensatory hyperhidrosis occurs frequently as a postoperative complication of the procedure. The goal of this study was to elucidate the clinical significance of thoracoscopic sympathectomy using our surgical procedure. METHODS: Consecutive 151 patients who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis were studied. In addition, to investigate patients' satisfaction and long-term quality of life, 111 patients were asked to complete a mailing questionnaire survey, and 84 responded (response rate of 75.7%). RESULTS: All of the 151 patients reported a reduction in palmar sweating during the immediate postoperative period. None of the patients had pneumothorax, hemothorax, Horner's syndrome, or worsening of bradycardia. Based on the questionnaire, the surgical success rate was 98.8%. None of the patients had a recurrence of palmar hyperhidrosis during the long-term postoperative period. However, compensatory hyperhidrosis was reported in 82 patients (97.6%). In total, 94.0% of patients had high levels of postoperative satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is an effective surgical treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. By contrast, the careful preoperative explanation of compensatory hyperhidrosis is considered to be very important.

Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation versus surgical sympathectomy in palmar hyperhidrosis.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) comparative efficacy of treatments using video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (VATS) in the long term remains uncertain in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis (PHH). This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of RFA and VATS in patients with PHH. We recruited patients aged ≥ 14 years with diagnosed PHH from 14 centres in China. The treatment options of RFA or VATS were assigned to two cohort in patients with PHH. The primary outcome was the efficacy at 1-year. A total of 807 patients were enrolled. After propensity score matching, the rate of complete remission was lower in RFA group than VATS group (95% CI 0.21-0.57; p < 0.001). However, the rates of palmar dryness (95% CI 0.38-0.92; p = 0.020), postoperative pain (95% CI 0.13-0.33; p < 0.001), and surgery-related complications (95% CI 0.19-0.85; p = 0.020) were lower in RFA group than in VATS group, but skin temperature rise was more common in RFA group (95% CI 1.84-3.58; p < 0.001). RFA had a lower success rate than VATS for the complete remission of PHH. However, the symptom burden and cost are lower in patients undergoing RFA compared to those undergoing VATS.Trial Registration: ChiCTR2000039576, URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx .

Evaluation of quality of life (QOL) of young patients with primary hyperhidrosis (PH) before and after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS).

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperhidrosis (PH) affects young patients and may cause emotional distress and a negative quality of life (QOL). OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the QOL of children and adolescents with PH treated by endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. METHODS: A study of 220 patients was performed, based on submitted QOL questionnaires from their first consultation. Patients were evaluated within 1 week and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: Before endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, the QOL in relation to PH was declared very poor by 141 patients, and poor by the remaining 79 (P = .552). Postoperative cure was reported in 100% of palmar and axillary PH cases, and in 91.7% of facial PH. After 24 months, the QOL was described as much better by 212 patients, a little better by 6 patients, and 2 patients reported no change. LIMITATIONS: Convenience sampling was used and patients were taken from private practice only, raising the possibility of bias in gathering the data. CONCLUSION: Onset of PH symptoms was mainly before the age of 10 years and substantially affected daily activities. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy cured PH and promoted significant improvement in the QOL of these young patients.

Evaluation of YouTube videos addressing thoracoscopic sympathectomy using the LAP-VEGaS guidelines.

Introduction: The study aims to evaluate the quality of videos addressing thoracoscopic sympathectomy on YouTube® using the LAParoscopic surgery Video Educational GuidelineS (LAP-VEGaS) criteria. Methods: YouTube was searched using the following keyword: "thoracoscopic sympathectomy" on August 22, 2021. The first 50 videos were analyzed and classified for baseline characteristics and conformity to the LAP-VEGaS checklist. Results: Duration ranged from 19 s to 22 min. The mean number of likes was 14.8 (range 0-80). The mean number of dislikes was 2.5 (range 0-14). The mean number of comments was 8.5 (range 0-67). Nineteen videos did not meet our criteria and were excluded. Regarding the remaining 31 videos, none contained all 16 points of the LAP-VEGaS essential checklist (mean 5.4 points, range 2-14 points), with almost all neglecting preoperative information and outcomes. The mean percentage of conformity was 37% (range 12%-93%). The most viewed videos were not associated with higher conformity to LAP-VEGaS criteria showing only 4/16 points (25%). Conclusions: The quality of videos addressing TS on YouTube®, based on the LAP-VEGaS checklist may be considered not acceptable. Experienced surgeons and surgeons in trainees should be aware of this when using it as a learning resource in their clinical practice.

Impact of endoscopic thoracic R4 sympathicotomy combined with R3 ramicotomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

Background: Endoscopic thoracoscopic sympathectomy (ETS) is the preferred method for treating primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) that bears the risk of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) following surgery. The current study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an innovative surgical procedure of ETS. Methods: A survey of the clinical data of 109 patients with PPH who underwent ETS in our department from May 2018 to August 2021 was retrospectively conducted. The patients were organized into two groups. Group A underwent R4 sympathicotomy combined with R3 ramicotomy. Group B underwent R3 sympathicotomy. Patients were followed up to evaluate the safety, effectiveness and the incidence of postoperative CH of the modified surgical approach. Results: A total of 102 patients completed follow-up, and seven of the total enrolled patients were lost to follow-up, with a loss rate of 6% (7/109). Among these, Group A constitutes 54 cases, group B constitutes 48 cases, and the mean follow-up was 14 months (interquartile range 12-23 months). There was no statistically difference in surgical safety, postoperative efficacy, and postoperative quality of life (QoL) score between group A and group B (p > 0.05). The score of the psychological assessment was higher (p = 0.004) in group A (14.15 ± 2.06) compared to group B (13.30 ± 1.86). The incidence of CH in group A was lower than in group B (p = 0.019). Conclusion: R4 sympathicotomy combined with R3 ramicotomy is safe and effective for PPH treatment, along with a reduced incidence of postoperative CH rate and improved postoperative psychological satisfaction.

Safety and feasibility of thoracic sympathectomy in the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis based on ambulatory surgery / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the clinical safety and feasibility of thoracic sympathectomy in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis based on ambulatory surgery. Methods    A retrospective analysis of 74 patients who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from January 2017 to April 2021 was performed, including 35 males and 39 females aged 12-38 (21.32±4.13) years. Patients were divided into two groups according to different treatments. There were 34 patients in a control group (adopting traditional surgery), and 40 patients in an observation group (adopting ambulatory surgery). The clinical effects of the two groups were compared. Results    No massive bleeding, conversion to thoracotomy, postoperative pneumo-thorax or severe pneumonia occured in all patients. Univariate analysis of intraoperative indexes showed that the two groups had no statistical difference in total hospitalization cost, operation time, anesthesia time or postoperative waiting time (P>0.05). The amount of intraoperative blood loss in the observation group was less than that in the control group (P<0.05). The time of postoperative out of bed and recovery of walking capacity and the incidence of electrolyte disturbance in the observation group were shorter or lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in white blood count, neutrophils count or postoperative 24 h pulse oxygen saturation fluctuation peak between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion    Based on the optimized diagnosis and treatment model, thoraco-scopic sympathectomy with laryngeal mask airway which is performed during ambulatory surgery, is feasible and worth popularizing in thoracic surgery.

Compensatory sweating after thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary focal hyperhidrosis in children: Are there patient-related risk factors?

INTRODUCTION: Compensatory sweating (CS) is a common complication after thoracoscopic sympathectomy (TS) and is mainly associated with surgical technique. Our aim was to identify potential risk-factors for CS following TS for primary focal hyperhidrosis in children. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center review of all bilateral TS was performed between 2017 and 2019. Hyperhidrosis disease severity scale was used for pre-operative severity assessment. Post-operative evaluations were performed after three and six months. RESULTS: More than the 36-month period, 41 patients were submitted to T2-T4 TS, and 25 were females (60.9%). Median age at surgery was 15.5 years. CS was identified at the 3rd month in 17 (41%) children with most in the dorsolumbar region (56%). By the 6th month, there was a significant reduction in CS (41 to 32%, p = 0.02). The probability of resolution of CS by 6 months is about 50% in both the dorsolumbar and abdominal regions. Neither age, gender, body mass index, family history, or concomitant illnesses seemed to influence CS (p > 0.05). Axillary hyperhidrosis appears to be associated with the development of dorsolumbar CS (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy for PFH is a safe and effective procedure, but compensatory sweating can be a common and debilitating side effect. Age, gender, and body mass index do not appear to influence CS. Axillary hyperhidrosis may be related to the development of dorsolumbar CS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Postoperative diaphragmatic hernia following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis: A case report.

Postoperative diaphragmatic hernia (DH) following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis is extremely rare. We present a 21-year-old female patient who developed a left DH with herniation of the stomach and gastric perforation on the first postoperative day after undergoing bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy R4 ablation. She complained of severe dyspnea and chest pain, and an emergency chest x-ray and computed tomography revealed left pleural effusion, collapsed lung, and left DH, which allowed the stomach to herniate into the chest. Emergency thoracoscopic surgery was performed. We repaired the diaphragmatic defect intraoperatively and replaced the stomach with the peritoneal cavity from the thoracic field. The patient was discharged without complications. She did not present with recurrent symptoms at the 3-month follow-up. Postoperative DH should be considered when patients complain of gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms after sympathectomy, although it is very rare.

Calidad de vida luego de simpaticotomía toracoscópica por hiperhidrosis focal primaria / Quality of life after thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary focal hyperhidrosis

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la simpaticotomía toracoscópica demostró ser una cirugía segura para el tratamiento de la hiperhidrosis focal primaria (HFP); sin embargo, la calidad de vida no es totalmente satisfactoria en algunos pacientes, teniendo en cuenta la sudoración compensatoria como principal efecto adverso. Objetivo: evaluar la calidad de vida de los pacientes operados por HFP mediante simpaticotomía toracoscópica utilizando una encuesta anónima posoperatoria. Material y métodos: se incluyó una serie consecutiva de pacientes operados de simpaticotomía toracoscópica entre agosto de 2016 y agosto de 2019. Se excluyeron pacientes que no respondieron a la encuesta de calidad de vida telefónica o cuyo tiempo de seguimiento fue menor de 6 meses. Se evaluaron variables clínicas, quirúrgicas y posoperatorias. Resultados: durante este período se operaron 61 pacientes; del total de la muestra se excluyeron 12 pacientes. El promedio de edad fue 28,9 años. Todos tenían hiperhidrosis primaria palmar y/o axilar moderada o grave, asociadas o no a rubor facial o hiperhidrosis plantar. La encuesta fue respondida por 49 pacientes; de esta observamos una resolución total de la HFP en 32 pacientes (65,3%) y parcial en 17 pacientes (34,6%), con un porcentaje de sudoración compensatoria del 61% (30 pacientes), de los cuales a 4 (8%) la sudoración compensatoria les alteró su calidad de vida, provocando malestar e insatisfacción, la mayoría transitorios. Con un tiempo promedio de 36 meses (6-72), el 97,9% (48 pacientes) sí recomendarían realizar el procedimiento. Conclusión: la simpaticotomía toracoscópica bilateral continúa siendo el tratamiento más eficaz para HFP. El nivel de satisfacción de los pacientes operados fue elevado. Si bien la sudoración compensatoria fue el efecto adverso más frecuente, generalmente se presentó de manera leve y transitoria.

ABSTRACT Background: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy demonstrated to be a safe surgical procedure for the management of primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH); however, some patients are not completely satisfied with their quality of life as compensatory sweating is the main adverse event. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with PFH undergoing thoracoscopic sympathectomy using an anonymous postoperative survey. Material and methods: Consecutive patients undergoing thoracoscopic sympathectomy between August 2016 and August 2019 were included. Patients who did not respond the telephone survey about their quality of life or who had been followed up for < 6 months. Clinical, intraoperative and postoperative variables were analyzed. Results: During this period 61 patients were operated on and 12 of them were excluded. Mean age was 28.9 years. All the patients presented moderate or severe primary palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis with or without facial flushing or plantar hyperhidrosis. Forty-nine patients responded the survey. Surgery completely solved PFH in 32 patients (65.3%) while 17 patients (34.6%) achieved a partial relief; 61% (30 patients) developed compensatory sweating affecting the quality of life in 4 (8%) causing transient discomfort and dissatisfaction in most cases. After a mean follow-up of 36 months (6-72), 97.9% (48 patients) recommended the procedure. Conclusion: Bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy is still the most efficient treatment for PFH with high level of satisfaction among the patients operated on. Compensatory sweating was the most common adverse effect and is mild and transient in most cases.

Rotura espontánea de quiste hepático simple: éxito del tratamiento conservador / Spontaneous rupture of a simple liver cyst: success of a conservative approach

RESUMEN Los quistes hepáticos simples (QHS) son las lesiones hepáticas más frecuentes. Cursan habitualmente asintomáticas, aunque cuando alcanzan gran tamaño pueden causar síntomas. El objetivo del presente artículo es presentar una complicación excepcional de los QHS. Presentamos a una mujer de 61 años con historia de QHS múltiples que acude a Urgencias por dolor abdominal brusco sin antecedente traumático. Ante la sospecha de rotura quística espontánea, se realiza tomografía computarizada (TC) abdominal que confirma el diagnóstico. Se decide tratamiento conservador con buena evolución. Tras el episodio agudo es intervenida quirúrgicamente realizándose destechamiento de los quistes. a rotura de los QHS es una complicación excepcional que habitualmente cursa con dolor abdominal. Debido a su baja frecuencia no existe un tratamiento estándar. Se acepta que el tratamiento conservador es una buena opción en pacientes sin signos de peritonitis, mientras que la cirugía urgente está indicada en pacientes con abdomen agudo.

ABSTRACT Simple liver cysts (SLC) are the most common liver tumors. They are usually asymptomatic but large cysts may produce symptoms. The aim of this article is to report a rare complication of SLC. We report the case of a 61-year-old woman with a history of multiple SLCs who sought medical care due to sudden abdominal pain not associated with trauma. A probable diagnosis of spontaneous rupture was made, and the patient underwent computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen which confirmed the suspicion. Conservative treatment was decided, with favorable outcome. After the acute episode the patient underwent surgery and the cysts were unroofed. Rupture of SLC is a rare complication that usually presents with abdominal pain. There is no standard of care due to the low incidence of this complication. The conservative approach is a good option in patients without signs of peritonitis, while emergency surgery is indicated in patients with acute abdomen.

A retrospective cohort study of T3 versus T4 thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis and primary palmar hyperhidrosis with axillary and plantar sweating.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy (TS) has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PH). However, the complications include compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH), and over-dry hands may occur in some patients after TS. AIM: To compare the therapeutic effect of T3 and T4 TS on primary PH and primary PH with axillary and plantar sweating. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 100 patients with PH who had undergone T3 (group A, n = 49) or T4 (group B, n = 51) TS in our department, with at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: At discharge, no major complications or deaths occurred in either group. The condition of sweaty hands was fully improved in 44 of 49 patients in group A and all patients in group B, with a significant difference (p = 0.031). After 12 months of follow-up, 18 (36.7%) patients in group A and 4 (7.8%) patients in group B developed CH, 16 (48.5%) patients in group A and 24 (77.4%) patients in group B had improved axillary sweating, with a significant difference (p < 0.05). The satisfaction rate of group B was significantly higher than that of group A (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both T3 and T4 TS were safe and effective treatments for PH patients, but the incidence of CH in T4 TS was lower than that in T3 TS. T3 TS may be more suitable for patients with severe PH, while T4 TS had a better therapeutic effect on PH patients with axillary sweating.

Comparison of Intrapleural with Paravertebral Levobupivacaine Analgesia for Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Palmar hyperhidrosis is a benign disease of excessive sweating in the palm that exceeds the physiological state. Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is an effective surgical treatment for localized hyperhidrosis. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare paravertebral block (PVB) with intrapleural analgesia in thoracoscopic sympathectomy. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 90 patients physical status American Society of Anesthesiologists Classes I or II scheduled for arthroscopic thoracoscopic sympathectomy were enrolled in this study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated into three groups; in the controlled (C) group, no regional block was performed. In the intrapleural (I) group or paravertebral (P) group using a volume of 20 ml of levobupivacaine 0.5%. The first request for analgesia postoperatively was our primary concern. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, the cumulative consumption of fentanyl during the 1st postoperative day, pulmonary functions, blood gases, and complications. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 19.0, Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: First request of analgesia in paravertebral group was statistically significantly longer when compared with either control or intrapleural group. In addition, total fentanyl dose was significantly higher in control group when compared with the other groups. Groups I and P showed statistically significant less pain scores, better pulmonary function, and blood gases when compared with control group. CONCLUSION: We concluded that either intrapleural or paravertebral analgesia compared with control group in thoracoscopic sympathectomy resulted in later request of analgesia, improved pain control, reduced analgesic requirements postoperatively, preservation of lung function and acid-base balance. The PVB, compared to intrapleural, had an advantage of longer and effective analgesia.

Effectiveness, success rates, and complications of different thoracoscopic sympathectomy techniques in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness, success and complication rates of three different video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy procedures performed for the treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis; excision, cauterization and clipping. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 60 patients (33 males, 27 females; mean age 25.1±6.4 years; range 16 to 43 years) with primary focal hyperhidrosis and treated with videoassisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy between January 2010 and December 2013. The patients were treated bilaterally at the same session: the sympathetic chain and ganglia were excised from the spinal cord segments of T2-T4 in 20 patients (group 1), cauterized in 20 patients (group 2), and clipped in 20 patients (group 3). The procedural success and complication rates were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Sympathectomy was successfully performed in all patients. The mean operation time was found to be significantly shorter in group 2 (42.5±7.1 min) and group 3 (36.9±7.8 min), compared to group 1 (51.1±8.4 min) (p<0.05). Compensatory hyperhidrosis developed in 17 patients (28.3%) and was comparable among all groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that excision, cauterization, and clipping are effective and reliable in the treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis. Based on our experience, we believe that sympathectomy with video-assisted excision may be preferable for the treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis.

T3 versus T4 thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) is a benign sympathetic disorder that can adversely affect the quality of life of patients. Thoracic sympathectomy (TS) at the T3 or T4 level has been used to treat PH. We aimed to determine the optimal denervation level for TS by comparing the efficacy of T3 TS versus T4 TS in PH patients. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for studies comparing T3 versus T4 TS for PH. Clinical end points included symptom resolution, patient satisfaction, and complications. RESULTS: Of 2201 articles reviewed, 10 (T3 group, 566 patients; T4 group, 629 patients) were selected. T4 TS was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative compensatory sweating, dry hands, and gustatory sweating than T3 TS. No significant difference in symptom resolution or patient satisfaction was found between the T3 and T4 groups. CONCLUSIONS: T4 TS may be superior to T3 TS in patients with PH. However, this finding should be validated in high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials.

Long term compensatory sweating results after sympathectomy for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is currently the best treatment for primary upper extremity hyperhidrosis, but the potential for adverse effects, particularly the development of compensatory sweating, is a concern and often precludes surgery as a definitive therapy. This study aims to evaluate long-term results of two-stage unilateral versus one-stage bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy. METHODS: From November 1995 to February 2011, 261 patients with severe palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis underwent endoscopic sympathectomy with a follow-up of at least 4 years. One-hundred and twenty-six patients received one-stage bilateral, single port video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (one-stage group) and 135 patients underwent two-stage unilateral, single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy, with a mean time interval of four months between the procedures (two-stage group). RESULTS: The mean postoperative follow-up period was 7.2 years (range, 4-9 years). Sixteen patients (12.7%) in the one-stage group and 15 patients (11.1%) in the two-stage group suffered from bradycardia (P=0.15). Recurrences occurred in three patients (2.4%) in the one-stage group and one (0.7%) in the two-stage group (P=0,09). Facial flushing or hyperthermia occurred in eight patients (6.3%) in the one-stage group and 11 (8.1%) of the two-stage group. Compensatory sweating occurred in 27 patients (21.4%) in the one-stage group and six patients (4.4%) in the two-stage group (P=0.0001). However, compensatory sweating recovered in five patients (83.3%) in the two-stage group versus nine (33.35%) in one-stage group during the follow-up period (Log-rank test P=0.016; HR, 7.196; 95% CI, 1.431-36.20). An improvement in postoperative quality of life (QoL) scores was observed in at least 90% of patients at three years after surgery in the one-stage group and at least 95% of patients in the two-stage group (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compensatory sweating seems to improve during the follow-up period with a higher recovery rate after two-stage unilateral versus one-stage bilateral sympathectomy for patients with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.

Electric vs. harmonic scalpel in treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis with thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

BACKGROUND: Hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating beyond the physiologic needs of a person. Palmar hyperhidrosis in the adolescent period may have an impact on school work and may cause psychological problems. Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is now used routinely to treat patients with disabling primary hyperhidrosis or facial blushing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2008 to December of 2009 bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy Th2-Th4 was performed to 79 patients aged from 17 to 55, who suffered from palmar, axillar or craniofacial hyperhidrosis. For the first 39 patients (group A) thoracoscopic sympathectomy was performed using electric scalpel and for the next 40 patients (group B) thoracoscopic sympathectomy was performed using harmonic scalpel. RESULTS: Based on our results we did not find any significant differences between electric or harmonic scalpel usages for thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Moreover, there was no significant difference between complications and the severity of pain, with slightly higher intensity of pain with harmonic scalpel usage. Both electric and harmonic scalpel provided adequate treatment for primary hyperhidrosis, with the fact that non-disposable electric scalpel costs were less than that of the disposable harmonic scalpel. CONCLUSIONS: Sympathectomy should be preferred for palmar hyperhidrosis treatment, as it is much technically shorter, simpler to implement, and also easier to learn. Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is safe and effective for the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis in the adolescent period without any major side effects.

Semi-Fowler vs. lateral decubitus position for thoracoscopic sympathectomy in treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare usefulness of Semi-Fowler position vs. lateral decubitus position for thoracoscopic sympathectomy in treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to January 2010, 263 consecutive patients with palmar and axillar hyperhidrosis underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy Th2-Th4. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (n=133) underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy through lateral decubitus using double lumen endotracheal intubation, and group B (n=130) underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy through Semi-Fowler supine position (semi sitting with arm abducted) using single lumen endotracheal intubation without insufflation of CO2, but with short apnea period. All operations were performed through two 5 mm operating ports, videothoracoscopic camera 0° and endoscopic ultrasound activated harmonic scalpel. RESULTS: There were 107 males and 156 females with median age 30.31±8.35 years. Two groups were comparable in gender, age, severity of sweating. All operations were successfully performed with no complications or perioperative morbidity. For group A average operation time for both sides was 31.2±3.87 min and for group B average time was 14.19±4.98 min. In group B apnea period per one lung lasts 2.86±1.15 min and during that period observed saturation was 92.65%±5.66% without significant cardiorespiratory disturbances. Pleural drains were taken off on operation table after forced manually lung reexpansion. Patients were discharged from hospital for few hours, after the operation and radiologic confirmation of complete lung reexpansion. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this data (shorter operating time, lack of incomplete lung collapse, insignificant apnea and better reexpansion of lungs) we concluded that thoracoscopic sympathectomy through Semi-Fowler supine position is highly effective and easy to perform for primary hyperhidrosis.

Sympathectomy for Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

Palmar hyperhidrosis is an important situation that may cause emotional and work-related problems. Although local treatment and psychotherapy have been used for palmar hyperhidrosis, the choice of treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis is video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Retrospective analysis of 120 bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomies (60 patients) was done in this study. Earlier, 12 of 60 patients (20 %) had been operated on by other surgeons who used clipping method for palmar hyperhidrosis in different hospitals within 1 year. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia using single-lumen endotracheal tube. Sympathetic chain resection was performed between lower level of the second rib and upper level of the fourth rib. Intercostal blockage at three levels was performed, while thoracoscopic control of the injection sites was done. We observed improvement of symptoms in 95 %, mild compensatory sweating in 20 %, and excessive dryness of hands in 10 % in our patients.

Single incision thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating beyond physiological needs. It is a common disease (incidence 2.8%) that causes intense discomfort for patients. In the last decade, advantages of Single-Incision Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy have become clear, particularly in decreasing morbidity of sympathectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2012, 39 patients (29 females and 10 males) with primary palmar or axillary hyperhidrosis were treated by thoracoscopic sympathectomy. The age ranged from 18 to 40 years with a mean of 26.28 years. We used single incision thoracoscopic electrocoagulation through 10 mm incision for thoracic sympathetic chain (T2-T4). RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 23.6 ± 14.2 months (range = 4-24 months). A total of 97.42% of patients were satisfied with the results. A total of 72.5% of patients had cure, one patient (2.5%) and another patient (2.5%) presented with recurrent axillary hyperhidrosis. The morbidity was 10.2% with no mortality. Percentage of compensatory sweating and gustatory sweating were 5.1% (p = .353) and 2.5% (p = .552), respectively. The result of sympathectomy in patients with both palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis was significantly better (17, 43.58%) compared to palmar type (14, 35.89%) or axillary type (7, 17.94%). CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is a simple, safe, and cost-effective therapy with good results and low complications.

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: a meta-analysis of studies published during the past decade / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To evaluate video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy(VTS) for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis(PH),and to analyze curative efficacies for surgeries on different sympathetic segments.Methods Medline search was done on PubMed and data of randomized controlled trials(RCTs) about comparisons of surgeries on different segments over the past decade were collected.According to the inclusion criterion,relevant articles were screened.Then we extracted data,assessed trail quality,and performed Meta-analysis by using RevMan 5.2 with postoperative compensatory hyperhidrosis(CH) as the main evaluation index.Results A total of 11 RCTs involving 1 413 patients were included,among which all patients underwent bilateral VTS.Ef cacious rates were similar between multiple and single ganglia sympathectomy(97.7％ vs 98.8％,P ＜0.01).However,single-ganglia group showed a lower risk of CH compared to multiple-ganglia group.Meta-analysis suggested that,in the subgroups of the single-ganglia VTS,no significant difference was found between T2/T3 and other segments in the risk of CH [T2 segment vs other segments,RR =1.11,95 ％ CI(0.99,1.24) ; T3 segment vs other segments,RR =0.99,95％ CI(0.89,1.11)].The risk of CH was significantly lower in T4 sympathectomy than in other segments [RR =0.67,95％ CI(0.57,0.79)].By comparison of T2,T3 and T4 sympathectomy,we found that low segment had a lower risk of CH than high segment[RR =0.75,95％ CI(0.68,0.84)].Conclusion Single-ganglia and low segment sympathectomy can significantly reduce the incidence of CH,and T4 is supposed to be the best segment for the treatment of PH.