Transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis.
OBJECTIVE
Transthoracic endoscopic electrocauterization of the sympathetic chain for palmar hyperhidrosis is presented.


METHODS
A retrospective study of 180 patients during a 2-year period was carried out. The duration of follow-up was from 2 to 12 months.


METHODS
General community, referral center, and hospitalized care.


METHODS
This study was carried out in 180 patients (116 female and 64 male). The age distribution was between 13 and 43 years (mean age, 21.6 years). They complained of palmar hyperhidrosis without other underlying diseases.


METHODS
One-stage bilateral surgery except for three patients with unilateral pleural adhesions.


METHODS
Patients were interviewed 1 week after surgery and then they were contacted by a questionnaire about improvement of hyperhidrosis and complications.


RESULTS
This procedure shows a success rate in 98% of the patients. No pneumothorax requiring a chest tube drainage and no Horner's syndrome were recorded. The most common side effect was compensatory sweating in 70% of these patients.


CONCLUSIONS
This procedure is effective, simple, and requires only an overnight study. It is recommended as the method of choice for surgical treatment of upper extremity hyperhidrosis.
Chen
H J
HJ
Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Medical College, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Shih
D Y
DY
Fung
S T
ST
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013546:Sweating / Q000502:physiology; D013562:Sympathectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome