title: Outpatient thoracoscopic sympathicotomy for axillary osmidrosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluate the clinical results of thoracoscopic T3-4 sympathicotomy for axillary osmidrosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  From July 1995 to June 2001, 262 patients (208 females, 54 males) with axillary osmidrosis have been treated by thoracoscopic T3-4 sympathicotomy. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 10 months (average 42 months). The patients were evaluated by telephone or mail questionnaires. The results were categorized as excellent, good, fair, or poor.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no surgical mortalities and major complications in this series. The surgical outcomes were excellent in 144 (55%) patients, good in 39 (15%) patients, fair in 55 (21%) patients, and poor in 24 (9%) patients. Compensatory sweating developed in 171 (65%) patients. Dry hands developed in 40 (15%) patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thoracoscopic T3-4 sympathicotomy is a safe, fast, cosmetic, and effective method in treating axillary osmidrosis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC. hjy@vghtc.vghtc.gov.tw
authors.forename: Jiun-Yi
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Hsia
authors.forename: Chih-Yi
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Chung-Ping
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Sen-Ei
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Shai
authors.forename: Shyh-Sheng
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Cheng-Yen
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Chuang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D001365:Axilla; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009812:Odorants; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013543:Sweat Gland Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D013562:Sympathectomy / Q000379:methods*; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome