Endoscopic upper thoracic sympathectomy

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy provides a superb surgical option for the many patients with incapacitating essential hyperhidrosis. Whether one thoracoscopic approach to sympathectomy is ever likely to prevail is doubtful, as the results of the various reported techniques seem to be quite similar. There are definite advantages to the single-port approaches, which are faster and usually do not require repositioning of the patient to do both sides. In the rare instances where dense apical adhesions are encountered or when significant bleeding is encountered from one of the intercostal vessels, the two- or three-port approaches definitely provide better control (see commentary in article by Kohno and Takamoto). Surgeon preference probably dictates which approach is used at the different centers. Compensatory sweating remains a frequent and sometimes serious complication of the procedure, particularly in individuals living in hot climates. An understanding of its mechanisms needs improvement, with the hope of preventing its occurrence in the future. In the meantime, patients have to be informed of its frequency, and operations could probably be tailored to the patients' needs and their local climate.