[One-stage bilateral vats-sympathectomy for the treatment of severe upper body hyperhidrosis]

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy (VATS) is routinely used to treat severe palmar and axillary hyperhydrosis. The authors present a novel method: one-stage bilateral VATS-sympathectomy. Special considerations also discussed regarding the anaesthesia and operative technique of the procedure. The history of surgical therapy of hyperhidrosis is reviewed briefly, too. The authors conclude that one-stage bilateral VATS-sympathectomy for palmar and axillary severe hyperhidrosis is a safe and effective method, patient satisfaction improves and cost is significantly decreased due to shorter hospital stay.