[Minimally invasive surgery for primary hyperhidrosis].

Nine hundred twenty-three thoracoscopic sympathectomies for primary hyperhidrosis were performd in 462 patients (180 men, 282 women). Mean age was 29.2 (11-61) years. Synchronous bilateral sympathectomies were performed in 461 patient: right side alone in 1 patient. We started thoracic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis under a thoracoscope using a 10 mm rigid endoscope in 1992. At present, we perform the surgery using a 3 mm rigid scope. The majority of our patient were satisfied with the result of operation. There is general agreement that postoperative side effect, such as compensatory and gustatory sweating, can cause discomfort and affect overall success. Thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis is minimally invasive surgery and provides less pain and better cosmesis and short hospital stay, as compared with the conventional techniques. However, new technique is necessary to decrease compensatory sweating after the operation in the future and we should undergo a meticulous and critical selection to the patients in outpatient clinic.