Palmar thermometry for intraoperative success control of thoracic sympathectomy.

In a pilot study involving six patients, palmar thermometry was used as a non-invasive method for intraoperative success control during thoracic sympathectomy. Using commercially available thermo-elements and amplifier modules, a marked increase in temperature could be registered in five patients after the severance of their rami communicants grisei for the hand. This effect was associated with the long-term success of therapy for hyperhidrosis in all five patients. This initial experience demonstrates that palmar thermometry is sensitive enough to measure surgical success intraoperatively. The limit of the thoracic sympathectomy in the cranial direction is indicated intraoperatively and Horner's syndrome is avoided with certainty.