Orientation landmarks of endoscopic transaxillary T-2 sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis

The identification of the T-2 ganglion through a narrow operative viewfield is the greatest challenge in performing endoscopic transaxillary T-2 sympathectomy, especially for a surgeon who is unfamiliar with the technique. The authors describe a simple anatomical method for identifying the T-2 ganglion during the operation, based on a study of 17 adult cadavers. First, a similar clinical procedure was performed along the anterior or middle axillary line via the second to fourth intercostal spaces to measure the aiming angles and intrathoracic depth needed. Second, the regional anatomical structures and their relationship to bilateral T-2 ganglia were delineated. It was discovered that the superior intercostal artery, a branch of the subclavian artery, was an accessible landmark. This small vessel existed in 87.5% of the cadavers studied. It consistently runs lateral to the parallel sympathetic chain at an average distance of 10 mm. Most important is that it can be easily distinguished where it runs across the inner part of the second rib. The authors emphasize that the superior intercostal artery should be a very beneficial landmark for surgical orientation.