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Needlescopic thoracic sympathectomy: treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis
P M Goh1, W K Cheah, M De Costa
1Minimally Invasive Surgical Center, Department of Surgery, National University Hospital, Singapore. surgohmy@nus.edu.sg
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|August 2, 2000
Summary
Needlescopic thoracic sympathectomy offers a safe and effective treatment for essential hyperhidrosis, achieving high success rates with minimal complications and short hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic surgery
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Dermatology
Background:
- Open thoracic sympathectomy was the traditional treatment for essential hyperhidrosis.
- Video-assisted endoscopic sympathectomy emerged as a safer, more effective alternative.
- Needlescopic instrumentation allows for even smaller port access sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of needlescopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis.
- To assess the outcomes of this minimally invasive approach.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-five patients underwent bilateral needlescopic thoracic sympathectomies.
- Procedures were performed using 2-mm and 3-mm needlescopic ports.
- Mean patient age was 24 years (23 men, 12 women).
Main Results:
- The mean operative time was 56 minutes, with a mean hospital stay of 1.2 days.
- A 97% success rate (completely dry hands) was achieved.
- No cases of Horner's syndrome or significant pneumothorax were reported.
Conclusions:
- Needlescopic thoracic sympathectomy yields excellent medical and cosmetic outcomes.
- The procedure is associated with a short hospital stay and a low risk of complications.
- Miniature port access sites are effective for treating primary hyperhidrosis.