Thoracoscopic sympathectomy: the U.S. experience.
OBJECTIVE
48 patients underwent TSSYM. Charts of patients undergoing thoracoscopy were reviewed to assess the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic sympathectomy (TSSYM).


METHODS
A retrospective review was undertaken at four United States medical centers.


RESULTS
TSSYM was performed for reflex sympathetic dystrophy in 27 patients, hyperhydrosis palmaris in 15 patients, and Raynaud's upper extremity ischemia and splanchnic pain in 2 patients each. Anesthesia with one lung ventilation was used. 2.9 ports were used per patient and 0.8 chest tubes were placed per patient. All patients underwent resection of the sympathetic chain, usually with a clip along the bottom of the resected chain. Laser, electro-ablation and electroresection were not used by any of the surgeons in his series. The mean length of hospital stay was 1.8 days.


CONCLUSIONS
TSSYM is a safe and effective technique for treatment of a variety of thoracic disorders.
Krasna
M J
MJ
Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA. mkrasna@surgery1.ab.umd.cdu
Demmy
T L
TL
McKenna
R J
RJ
Mack
M J
MJ
D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013562:Sympathectomy / Q000379:methods*; D013906:Thoracoscopy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States