Abstract
Aim of the investigation: We conducted endoscopic electrocautery of the thoracic sympathetic chain in 38 cases of hyperhidrosis from January 1994 to October 1995.
Methods: The surgical technique devised by Claes was performed using a resectscope. The sympathetic nerve trunk and ganglia from the second to fourth vertebrae were cauterized.
Results: The results immediately after surgery indicated that perspiration were either stopped or markelly decreased in 74 (97.4%) of the 76 voler surfaces (38 cases).
A survey by questionnaire and interview through telephone was conducted at the end of October 1995, and responses from 34 of the 38 patients were obtained. The duration of observation ranged from 0.5 month to 22 months (mean 8 months). Of these 34 patients (68 palms), perspiration either stopped or decreased in 64 palms (93.4%).
Conclusions: Compared with the efficacy of thoracic sympathetic alcohol block in our department which was successful in 75.7% of patients with the efficacy duration of 8 months on average, the endoscopic electrocautery showed a higher success rate with a longer duration of efficacy we presume this technique will be expected to become an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis.
