title: A simplified T2-T3 thoracoscopic sympathicolysis technique for the treatment of essential hyperhidrosis: short-term results in 100 patients.
abstract: A simplified one-time bilateral thoracoscopic T2-T3 sympathicolysis technique using single-lumen endotracheal intubation with high frequency jet ventilation and electrocautery destruction ("sympathicolysis") of the sympathetic ganglia was applied in 100 consecutive patients with severe essential hyperhidrosis (EH). Providing a pleural space can be created, this technique was proven simple and safe, and short-term clinical results were excellent: palmar hyperhidrosis was cured in 98% of patients, and axillar and plantar improvement was achieved in 62 and 65% of patients, respectively. Side-effects and complications were minor (compensatory hyperhidrosis) or self-limiting (pain). These data confirm the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic sympathetic interventions for the treatment of EH, and support the evolution toward simplified methodologies.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Department, Academic Hospital A.Z.-V.U.B., Free University of Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Noppen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Herregodts
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: D'Haese
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: D'Haens
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Vincken
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005728:Ganglia, Sympathetic / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000601:surgery*; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013562:Sympathectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000294:innervation*; D013906:Thoracoscopy; D016896:Treatment Outcome