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Published on: August 11, 2015
Evolution of clipping for thoracoscopic sympathectomy in symptomatic hyperhidrosis
Bryan A Whitson1, Rafael S Andrade, Peter S Dahlberg
1Section of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery, University of Minnesota, Department of Surgery and Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. bwhit@umn.edu
Background:
Severe hyperhidrosis is treated by thoracic sympathetic chain interrupting through chain transection or clipping. Our study compared the efficacy of these 2 methods.
Methods:
Retrospectively, patients who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy from 1999 to 2005 had demographic, operative, and postoperative data analyzed.
Results:
Fifty-four operations were performed for refractory sweating of the palm (72%), axilla (66%), foot (53%), and head/neck (19%). Thirty-seven (69%) underwent clipping; 17 (31%) underwent chain transection. There was no difference in age, sex, or blood loss. One ganglion level was interrupted in 24.1% and 2 levels in 75.4%. Bothersome compensatory hyperhidrosis occurred in 13% (5-clipping and 2-transection). One patient underwent clip removal for debilitating symptoms. Three small pneumothoraces occurred (all in the transection group); all treated expectantly.
Conclusions:
Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is a safe outpatient procedure. Both methods yield excellent results with minimal compensatory hyperhidrosis. Thoracoscopic sympathetic chain clipping and transection are equivalent.
