[Bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy in treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhydrosis - a summary of 22 cases. A role for one day surgery in thoracic surgery?].

INTRODUCTION

The procedure of the ETS is carried out by two ports, a videothoracoscop and a diathermy instrument are introduced into the pleural cavity. After the identification of the sympathetic chain, the relevant ganglia are divided or excised.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

22 patient underwent bilateral video assisted thoracoscopic T2-T4 sympathectomy in a half-way sitting position for palmar and axillary hyperhydrosis between December 2008 and January 2011.

RESULTS

5 male and 17 female patients with a mean age of 39.9 years, (19-63) underwent the above procedure. The mean operation time was 36 minutes, (30-61 minutes).

CONCLUSION

No postoperative complications were detected. The authors believe that two port VATS sympathectomy is a safe and effective method for the treatment of hyperhydrosis even as one day surgical procedure.