A comparison of the supraclavicular and axillary approaches to upper thoracic sympathectomy

Twenty-nine upper dorsal sympathectomies have been carried out in 18 patients and a comparison made of the supraclavicular with the axillary approach to the upper thoracic sympathetic chain. Thirteen of these operations were carried out for essential hyperhidrosis, 15 for ischaemia in the hand and one for post-traumatic pain syndrome. Fourteen sympathectomies were carried out through the axilla and 15 through the supraclavicular approach. Post-operative pain was felt to be somewhat more severe when the axillary approach was used, but other complications were infrequent and hospital stay was slightly shorter in the axillary group. The axillary approach was felt to offer superior exposure, the capability for wider sympathetic excision, good cosmetic results, avoidance of Horner's syndrome and low morbidity. In the absence of lung disease or the need for a direct exploration of the root of the neck, the axillary approach is to be preferred for upper dorsal sympathectomy.