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Surgical Endoscopy

Published in:

01-04-2006

Thoracic sympathicolysis for primary hyperhidrosis

A review of 918 procedures

Authors: J. Moya, R. Ramos, R. Morera, R. Villalonga, V. Perna, I. Macia, G. Ferrer

Published in: Surgical Endoscopy | Issue 4/2006

Abstract

Background

Bilateral upper thoracic sympathectomy or sympathicolysis, currently the standard treatment for palmar or axillary hyperhidrosis, is regarded as a safe procedure. This study evaluates the quantitative and qualitative incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications resulting from bilateral thoracic sympathicolysis.

Methods

From 1996 to 2004, 458 consecutive patients with primary hyperhidrosis underwent surgery. These patients comprised 143 men (31.2%) and 315 women (68.7%) with a mean age of 26 years (range, 14–52 years). In all but seven cases, the procedure was bilaterally synchronous.

Results

No mortality was recorded. The anhydrosis rate was 97.4%, with a hypohidrosis rate of 2.4% and a failure rate of 0.2%. The latter was resolved with reintervention. The mean hospital stay was 17 h. The rate of major perioperative complications with conversion to thoracotomy was 0.4%. The overall rate of postoperative complications was 3.6%. The complications and rates observed were as follows: pneumothorax (2.06%), subcutaneous emphysema (1.08%), pleural bleeding (0.2%), hemothorax (0.1%), and atelectasis (0.1%). Compensatory hyperhidrosis was observed in 48.4% of the patients, but the sensation of compensatory hyperhidrosis was reported in 85.6% of the cases. Excessive dryness of the hands was reported in 0.38%, Horner’s syndrome in 0.32%, and gustatory hyperhidrosis in 1.1% of the cases. The overall satisfaction rate was 88.5%.

Conclusions

The results suggest that endoscopic bilateral thoracic sympathicolysis is an effective method for managing primary hyperhidrosis, especially severe palmar hyperhidrosis, but it is necessary to inform patients fully concerning the undesirable effects.

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Title: Thoracic sympathicolysis for primary hyperhidrosis
A review of 918 procedures
Authors: J. Moya
R. Ramos
R. Morera
R. Villalonga
V. Perna
I. Macia
G. Ferrer
Publication date: 01-04-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Surgical Endoscopy / Issue 4/2006
Print ISSN: 0930-2794
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2218
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-005-0557-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Thoracic sympathicolysis for primary hyperhidrosis

A review of 918 procedures

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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