Video thoracoscopic dorsal sympathectomy: a new approach.

With the recent popularization of video laparoscopic cholecystectomy comes a renewed interest in thoracoscopy and its clinical applications in intrathoracic disease. Successful video thoracoscopic dorsal sympathectomy was accomplished in a patient with causalgia of the right upper extremity with immediate and complete resolution of pain and vasomotor symptoms. Standard operative approaches to dorsal sympathectomy are technically difficult, having risks of major nerve injury and Horner's syndrome. Video thoracoscopic dorsal sympathectomy obviates these risks and should become the procedure of choice in the future.