The selective T3 sympathicotomy in patients with essential palmar hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND

Selective T3 thoracoscopic sympathicotomy in patients with essential palmar hyperhidrosis may produce successful results with fewer side effects. We report preliminary results in comparison with those of conventional T2, T3 thoracoscopic sympathicotomy.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients underwent a conventional T2, T3 sympathicotomy (group A) from Jan 1997 to Dec 1997 and 30 patients a selective T3 sympathicotomy (group B) from Jan 1998 to Dec 1999. To assess postoperative success and complications all patient charts were reviewed.

FINDINGS: No recurrence was observed in either group. However, the rates of compensatory sweating were significantly (p=0.020) different: 11 patients (45.8%) in group A and 5 patients (16.73%) in group B. Horner's syndrome was observed in only 4 patients of group A.

INTERPRETATION: Selective T3 thoracoscopic sympathicotomy results in a decrease in the rate of disturbing side effects compared to conventional T2, T3 thoracoscopic sympathicotomy without recurrence of symptoms. We suggest that selective T3 thoracoscopic sympathicotomy is the treatment of choice in essential palmar hyperhidrosis.