title: Impact of transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy on plantar hyperhidrosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy on plantar hyperhidrosis in patients operated on for upper limb hyperhidrosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 2003 to 2011, 41 consecutive patients underwent videothoracoscopic T3-T4 sympathicotomy or T3-T4 ganglion block at our Unit for upper limb hyperhidrosis. Twenty-one (51%) were affected by palmar hyperhidrosis and 20 (49%) by palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis combined. The patients affected by the plantar form were 26 (63%). Clinical follow-up was performed at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Phone interviews and/or clinical assessment were made after a variable period of time (range 6 months to 8 years) to asses long term results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Plantar hyperhidrosis improved in 14 patients, which represents the 54% of the sufferers and the 34% of all patients. It was partially regressed in 11 patients (79%) and resolved in 3 cases (21%). There were not significant differences between patients treated with sympathicotomy and those treated with ganglion block.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy performed through T3-T4 sympathicotomy or ganglion block improves plantar hyperhidrosis in approximately 54% of the affected patients, with a partial and complete resolution rate of 79% and 21% respectively.
authors.forename: Panagiotis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Paliogiannis
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Scognamillo
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Attene
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pala
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marrosu
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pulighe
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trignano
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001340:Autonomic Nerve Block / Q000379:methods; D001365:Axilla; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013562:Sympathectomy / Q000379:methods; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult