The Borås experience of endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy for palmar, axillary, facial hyperhidrosis and facial blushing.
OBJECTIVE
To study the outcome of endoscopic thoracic sympaticotomy (ETS) for palmar, axillary, facial hyperhidrosis and facial blushing.


METHODS
1152 patients, 59% women and 41% men.


METHODS
ETS was performed by transection of the sympathetic chain where it overlies the second and third rib. The nerve was divided also over the fourth rib in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis. Questionnaires were sent to all patients.


METHODS
The effect of surgery was assessed by a 10 grad visual analogue scale (VAS) by the patients. The results were divided into effect rate (the effect on the symptom) and overall satisfaction rate, taking into account any side effects and complications apart from the effect.


RESULTS
The response rate was 90%. The mean follow up time, effect rate and overall satisfaction rate were: 38 months for palmar hyperhidrosis, 99.4% and 87%; 26 months for axillary hyperhidrosis, 94.5% and 68%; 31 months for facial hyperhidrosis, 97% and 76%; 8 months for facial blushing, 96% and 85%.


CONCLUSIONS
ETS is a very effective procedure in palmar, axillary and facial hyperhidrosis and facial blushing. The overall satisfaction rate is very good for palmar hyperhidrosis and facial blushing, not equally good but acceptable for facial hyperhidrosis. The lower satisfaction rate in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis makes this a questionable indication for ETS.
Rex
L O
LO
Department of Surgery, Borås Hospital, Sweden.
Drott
C
C
Claes
G
G
Göthberg
G
G
Dalman
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001365:Axilla; D001821:Blushing / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D004724:Endoscopy; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013562:Sympathectomy / Q000379:methods*