DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i08.005

Pages: 2755-2758

The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) sympathectomy for primary hyperhydrosis. Between January 2008 and October 2012, 56 cases underwent VATS sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis. All patients' intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were collected. Data of the procedure and complications, midterm and long term outcome were collected by telephone interview. Mean age was 22.5 years (range, 16–38 years), and mean operative time to complete the bilateral procedure was 52 minutes (range, 40–85 minutes). The procedure was successfully completed in all patients without the need to enlarge the incision. The hands of all patients were dry and warm after operation. Postoperatively, there was no mortality and no residual palmar hyperhidrosis. Postoperative stay range was 2 to 4 days. Neurologic complications (radial paralysis, Horner syndrome and dysesthesia of the arm) were not occurred. Compensatory sweating occurred in 12.5% of the patients. Despite this 89.9% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied. This study confirms that VATS sympathectomy is a suitable choice for severe palmar hyperhidrosis. Long-term follow-up proved that mild compensatory hyperhidrosis is the main side effect associated with this technique.