Thoracoscopic versus open supraclavicular upper dorsal sympathectomy: a prospective randomised trial

The purpose of the present study was to compare the short term results of the "open" supraclavicular approach with the thoracoscopic access for T2-T4 sympathetic ganglionectomy in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 12 each, and were operated on: one by the open supraclavicular access; the other by the transthoracoscopic approach. The effect on palmar perspiration, operative data, postoperative complications and patients's satisfaction on short term follow up were examined. All operations achieved dry hands. Only two significant differences were observed: longer anaesthesia and poorer patient satisfaction in the thoracoscopic group one week after surgery (probably because a higher proportion of cases developed prolonged postoperative chest pain). Both techniques similarly achieve dry hands. The open method is not longer or more difficult, is possibly associated with less morbidity, and gives a higher subjective satisfaction.