[Experiences with endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy]

Thoracic sympathectomy using thoracoscopy was performed in 38 cases on 35 patients from January 01. 1996, till December 31. 2000. In 3 cases bilateral sympathectomy was carried out. The youngest patient was 18, the oldest was 76 years old, the average age was 42 years. The indications for surgery were Raynaud syndrome, causalgia, post-traumatic sympathetic dystrophy, thoracic outlet syndrome combined with vasospastic syndrome, Buerger syndrome, obliteration of digital arteries, embolism and hyperhidrosis. This method was chosen if conservative therapy was unsuccessful. Laparoscopic instruments are particularly suitable for minimal invasive interventions.

Authors describe their operative technique whereby the postoperative pain and also the duration of hospitalisation can be reduced, and the cosmetic result can be improved. In two cases conversion was the only choice due to pleural adhesions. Pneumothorax occurred in two cases, haemothorax in one case and transient intercostal neuralgy was seen in 3 cases. In four cases sympathetic activity returned during the follow up. Ceasing the sympathetic innervation dilates the arterioles of the skin, and the temperature of the skin increases. During follow-up the complaints of the patients improved significantly, the progression became slower and clear improvement was found with instrumental investigations.

This method can be recommended to every institute where the conditions for traditional laparoscopic surgery are given and staff is experienced in thoracotomy.