[Changes of autonomic functions by endoscopic upper thoracic sympathectomy on idiopathic hyperhidrosis]

Changes of autonomic functions before and after bilateral endoscopic upper thoracic sympathectomy (EUTS) were evaluated in 13 patients with idiopathic hyperhidrosis, with the sympathetic skin response, coefficient of variation of R-R intervals, mean heart rate, thermography, and non-invasive Valsalva test of the tonometry method. EUTS electronically destructs the upper thoracic sympathetic ganglions which innervate the upper extremities, and partially the heart. The decrement of mean heart rate, and persistent inhibition of the vascular contraction and hidrosis of the hands appeared after EUTS. These manifestations were effect produced by the abortion of sympathetic activity by EUTS. In 10 of the 12 cases, the baroreceptor sensitivity index II of Valsalva test which reflects the sympathetic autonomic nervous function of the heart showed normal pattern after EUTS. Four cases revealed reincrement of both the blood pressure and heart rate at the latter half phase of the second stage of the Valsalva test. The sympathetic dysfunction of the heart was limited to the decrement of mean heart rate although EUTS partially destroys sympathetic fibers innervating the heart. A long-term study is necessary to evaluate the effect of EUTS on the cardiac function.