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Azygos lobe in endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis
1The Center for Hyperhidrosis, Beverly Hills Center for Special Surgery, 1125 South Beverly Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90035, USA. dr_reisfeld@sweaty-palms.com
Surgical Endoscopy
|May 28, 2005
Summary
Anomalous azygos lobes, a rare lung variation, were found in 0.9% of patients undergoing endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) for hyperhidrosis. Surgeons prepared for this anomaly achieve successful outcomes comparable to patients without it.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic surgery
- Anatomical variations
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Anomalous azygos lobes were rarely encountered before endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS).
- Knowledge of this anatomical anomaly is crucial for successful ETS procedures.
- ETS is a treatment for hyperhidrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the incidence of azygos lobe in patients undergoing ETS.
- Describe patient characteristics associated with azygos lobe.
- Evaluate outcomes of ETS in patients with azygos lobe.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of a database of 2,272 patients who underwent ETS.
- Identification and classification of azygos lobe variations.
- Assessment of surgical techniques and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Azygos lobe identified in 20 cases (0.9%).
- Two types of azygos lobe variations were observed (Type 1 and Type 2).
- All patients treated endoscopically with successful palmar sweating cure and high satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Azygos lobe occurs in approximately 1% of the population.
- This anomaly can complicate ETS, but effective surgical techniques exist.
- Outcomes for ETS in patients with azygos lobe are similar to those without the variation.