Long-term results of limited thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis

Eighteen children (15 females, 3 males) aged 7 to 15 years underwent resection of the thoracic sympathetic chain for severe palmar hyperhidrosis. A localized section of chain immediately below the first thoracic ganglion and including the second thoracic sympathetic ganglion was removed. Patients were followed for 24 to 136 months. All patients had immediate and permanent abolition of palmar hyperhidrosis. There was no mortality, one patient developed intermittent ptosis and myosis, three patients reported compensatory hyperhidrosis and one girl was unhappy with the cosmetic results. We conclude that thoracic sympathectomy is a safe and permanent treatment for severe palmar hyperhidrosis in children. In addition, limited sympathetic resection is associated with a lower incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis than conventional more radical sympathectomy.