[Thoracic sympathectomy using thoracoscopy].

In the years 1996-1997 9 dorsal sympathectomies (DS) were performed in the authors Department using VATS technique. There were 6 right dorsal sympathectomies and 3 left DS in the group of 7 patients. Indication for dorsal sympathectomies was idiopathic hyperhidrosis in 4 cases and vascular disorders in 3 cases. Operating time for the single procedure was 30'. Chest drain was never used. There were no major complications (Horner's syndrome-one patient, intercostal neuralgia, which disappeared in a few days-2 patients). Patients left hospital the day after operation (only those with fingers ulceration stayed longer). The results of dorsal sympathectomies in patients with hyperhydorsis were excellent, less impressive in those suffered from vasospastic and vascular disorders.