Transaxillary endoscopic sympathectomy--a report of experience in 150 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis

We report our 1-year experience with transaxillary endoscopic sympathectomy in 150 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis (PH). The double-puncture technique of video laparoscopy was used in a transaxillary approach to perform the sympathectomy by either electrocautery (EC; 93.3%) or electroresection (ER; 7.7%). The procedure was successfully completed in 299 operated limbs and required conversion to open surgery in 1 operated limb because of extensive pleural adhesions. The mean operative time of EC was significantly less than that of ER. In a total of 29 procedures, there were three technical complications. Most patients (92.7%) were discharged after an overnight hospital stay. On the seventh postoperative day, the cure rate was 99.3%. During the mean follow-up period of 200.1 days, there was no recurrence in 130 patients. Apparent compensatory hyperhidrosis occurred in 28 patients (21.5%). In conclusion, transaxillary endoscopic sympathectomy offers a simple and effective treatment to patients with PH, resulting in a shorter hospital stay and convalescent period.