Minimally invasive video-endoscopic sympathectomy by use of a transaxillary single port approach

This is a prospective study to evaluate the long-term outcome and the value of a transaxillary single port thoracic sympathectomy by use of a modified paediatric cystoresectoscope in a consecutive series of patients with facial blushing and/or hyperhidrosis.

All patients who underwent a thoracic transsection of the sympathetic chain from T2 to T5 by use of a 7-mm single port approach and a modified urologic electroresectoscope between 1996 and 1998 were prospectively analysed regarding postoperative morbidity and outcome (clinical evaluation, visual analogue scale) in order to validate this technique.

37 patients (18 men, 19 women) with an age ranging from 18 to 67 years (mean 34 years) underwent 74 bilateral video-assisted thoracic sympathectomies. The indications for sympathectomy included facial blushing in 32%, hyperhidrosis in 52%, or both in 16% of the patients. Ninety-five percent of the patients were discharged from the hospital on the next day, the 30-day mortality was zero, and there was no conversion to an open procedure. A severe complication with crossed emboli and motor aphasia was noted. A unilateral transient Horner's syndrome was observed in two patients. Three-month follow-up revealed an excellent cosmetic and functional result, with no residual pain. Complete relief of symptoms was observed in 89% and in 100% of the patients with facial blushing and palmar hyperhidrosis, respectively, after a follow-up of 34.5 months. Recurrence of the symptoms after initial regression was noted in 5.7% of the patients 3 years after surgery. Compensatory sweating of the lower extremities was significantly increased in patients with hyperhidrosis and facial blushing; however, sweating of the trunk was only increased in patients with hyperhidrosis. Improvement of quality of life was observed in 94.6% of the patients.

Single port thoracoscopic sympathectomy by use of a modified paediatric cystoresectoscope and transsection from T2 to T5 gives an excellent cosmetic and functional outcome, with better results in patients with hyperhidrosis.