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Repeat transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis
1General Thoracic Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135, Nan-Siau Street, Changhua City, Taiwan, ROC.
Surgical Endoscopy
|February 5, 2000
Summary
Repeat transthoracic sympathectomy (TES) effectively treats failed previous surgeries and recurrent hyperhidrosis. This safe procedure resolves excessive sweating and hand dryness, improving patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Dermatology
Background:
- Unsuccessful sympathectomy leads to compensatory sweating and hand dryness.
- Recurrent hyperhidrosis and failed sympathectomy significantly impact patient well-being.
- Addressing these complications is crucial for patient recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of repeat transthoracic sympathectomy (TES).
- To treat patients experiencing complications from prior sympathectomy.
- To resolve recurrent palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.
Main Methods:
- 24 patients underwent repeat transthoracic sympathectomy (TES) between 1995 and 1998.
- Procedures involved general anesthesia and either single or double-lumen endotracheal tubes.
- Ablation of specific thoracic ganglia (T2-T4) and Kuntz fibers was performed based on hyperhidrosis location.
Main Results:
- The primary causes of previous sympathectomy failure included pleural adhesions and intact sympathetic ganglia.
- 23 out of 24 patients achieved satisfactory results with no recurrence of hyperhidrosis.
- The mean follow-up was 22 months, with an average hospital stay of 1.8 days and no surgical mortality.
Conclusions:
- Repeat transthoracic sympathectomy (TES) is a safe and effective treatment option.
- This procedure successfully addresses both failed sympathectomies and recurrent hyperhidrosis.
- Repeat TES offers a viable solution for patients with persistent symptoms.