[Thoracic sympathectomy in palmar hyperhidrosis: comparison of open with thorascopic procedure]

Between 1976 and 1994 we performed 26 thoracic sympathectomies for treatment of therapy-resistant palmar hyperhidrosis. Until the end of 1992 the operation was performed using an open transaxillary approach, since 1993 sympathectomy was done by video-assisted thoracoscopy. Both procedures consisted in excision of the thoracic ganglia T2 to T5. The only complication was a pneumothorax in the open surgery group (successfully treated by drainage). Compensatory sweating occurred in 70% of our patients, compared to results in the literature of 60-90%. We did not note further complications, e.g. no Horner's syndrome. All of our patients were satisfied with the result of the operation. Comparison of the two collectives shows significant advantages for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. the procedure is easier to perform, exposure is better, cosmetic results are favourable, operation-time and hospital stay are reduced.