Endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy (ETS) has recently become estabilished as a successful treatment for severe palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. Descriptions have been published of neurolytic, operative and alternative endoscopic procedures
involving thermocoagulation, olaser coagulation, or or nonvideo-assisted ganglionectomy using equipment not widely available, with low morbidity and excellent results. All methods have advantage and disadvantages.
A 19-year-old male who suffered from severe hyperhidrosis on face, palms and axillary areas, has been initially treated with stellate ganglion block in other pain clinic. He was transfered to our pain clinic for endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.
The
patient was intubated left side 34 Fr. double lumen tube and positioned left semi-lateral position for right sympathectomy. Right side pneumothorax was created by clamping the ipsilateral side of the double lumen tube and aspiration of air. 11-mm
trocar
was introduced through incision at the third intercostal space in anterior axillary line, and then additional two 11-mm and 5-mm trocar was introduced through second and fifth intercostal space in mid axillary line. Tkhe lung was gently retracted
and
the parietal pleura over the heads of the appropriate ribs excised using 5-mm sharp insulated coagulating microprocesss. The T4, T3, and T2 ganglions, as well as accompanying rami communicantes, and other branchs arising from upper thoracic
nerves
to
the brachial plexus and surrounding tissues were carefully dissected, coagulated. During sympathectomy, skin temperature of middle was continuously monitored. Elevation of palmar skin temperature intraoperatively indicated an adequate
sympathectomy
with
a definite therapeutic effect. A No. 28 Fr. thoracotomy tube was introduced through a troca under video guidance, placed under water seal after the lung was reinflated. the controlateral side was performed same procedure. After bilateral
sympathectomy,
chest tubes were removed, and then, he was discharged 2 days after operation with great satisfaction.
The ETS provides a well-tolerated, cost-effective alternative to thoracic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis and sympathetic mediated neuropathic pain disorder. And T2 ganglion is considered the key ganglion for the treatment of primary
hyperhidrosis. The low incidence of compensatory sweating may by explained by the limited extent of the sympathectomy.
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