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Long-term cardiopulmonary function after thoracic sympathectomy: comparison between the conventional and simplified
Miguel Angel Ponce González1, Gabriel Juliá Serdá, Pedro Rodriguez Suarez
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr Negrín Gran Canaria University Hospital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. migp@arrakis.es
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|August 8, 2009
Summary
Both conventional and simplified thoracic sympathectomy reduce cardiopulmonary function long-term, including lung capacity and heart rate, without clinical impact. These effects were similar between the two surgical approaches for hyperhidrosis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiopulmonary Function
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonary Physiology
Background:
- Primary hyperhidrosis is a condition causing excessive sweating.
- Thoracic sympathectomy is a surgical option for hyperhidrosis.
- Comparing surgical techniques is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the long-term effects of conventional versus simplified thoracic sympathectomy.
- To assess impacts on cardiopulmonary function post-surgery.
- To evaluate changes in lung function and heart rate.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized study of 32 primary hyperhidrosis patients.
- Patients were assigned to conventional (18) or simplified (14) thoracic sympathectomy.
- Cardiopulmonary function was assessed pre- and 1-year post-surgery using spirometry, plethysmography, DLCO, and exercise tests.
Main Results:
- Both procedures led to significant long-term decreases in FEV(1) and FEF(25%-75%).
- DLCO and heart rate (resting and maximal) were also significantly reduced in both groups.
- Conventional sympathectomy showed a significant increase in airway resistance; no significant differences were found between groups.
Conclusions:
- Thoracic sympathectomy, both conventional and simplified, causes long-term reductions in lung function and heart rate.
- A mild increase in airway resistance occurred with conventional sympathectomy.
- These cardiopulmonary changes were clinically insignificant and independent of surgical technique details.
