Targeting the Sympathetic Chain for Primary Hyperhidrosis: An Evidence-Based Review

Large case series and randomized trials over the past 25 years have consistently demonstrated thoracoscopic interruption of the sympathetic chain to be a safe and effective treatment of focal primary hyperhidrosis. The surgical technique has evolved toward less-invasive and less-extensive procedures in an effort to minimize perioperative morbidity and effectively balance postoperative compensatory sweating with symptomatic relief. This review summarizes available evidence regarding the surgical approach and the optimal level of interruption of the sympathetic chain based on a patient's presenting distribution of pathologic sweating.