Thoracoscopic limited T-3 sympathicotomy for primary hyperhidrosis: prevention for compensatory hyperhidrosis

Bilateral one-stage single-port sympathicotomy in primary focal hyperhidrosis, a prospective cohort study: treat earlier?

Background

Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis (PFH) has a detrimental effect on Quality of Life. Repetitive, non-curative symptomatic strategies dominate current treatment of PFH, in spite of the availability of an effective and permanent curative treatment like Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS). Current surgical optimization may allow for a re-established position of sympathetic modulation in this treatment algorithm. We sought to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and long-term results of a Bilateral One-stage Single-port Sympathicotomy (BOSS) procedure in PFH patients and to identify subgroups benefitting most.

Methods

Prospective analysis of 163 patients, 35 (21.5%) underwent Rib-3 (R3) BOSS for palmar PFH, 58 (35.6%) R3-R5 BOSS for axillary PFH and 70 (42.9%) R3-R5 BOSS for combined palmar/axillary PFH. Effectiveness was measured using Skindex-29 and the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS).

Results

Overall Skindex-29-rating (46.5 ± 14.8 preoperatively vs 20.1 ± 20.6 postoperatively, p < 0.001), and HDSS score (3.71 ± 0.45 preoperatively vs 1.82 ± 0.86 postoperatively, p < 0.001) indicated a significant improvement in health-related quality of life after BOSS. R3 BOSS was superior to R3-R5 BOSS in terms of HDSS score (1.49 vs 1.91 respectively, p = 0.004) and in terms of severe compensatory hyperhidrosis, a frequently reported side-effect (17.1% vs 32.8% respectively, p < 0.001). No major complications occurred.

Conclusions

BOSS is safe, effective, and offers a long-term curative solution in the treatment of PFH. Especially in the palmar PFH subgroup, R3 BOSS treatment results compare favorably to the treatment results of non-curative alternatives published in the current literature. Therefore, R3 BOSS should be offered to all patients with severe PFH, reporting insufficient benefit of treatment options such as oral and/or local agents.

Optimal targeting of sympathetic chain levels for treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis: an updated systematic review

BACKGROUND

Palmar hyperhidrosis involves excessive sweating of the palms, with no known etiology. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a safe and effective treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis, but compensatory hyperhidrosis is a common complication after ETS, leading to reduced patient satisfaction and postoperative quality of life. However, the appropriate level of the sympathetic chain to target with ETS to achieve maximum efficacy and reduce the risk of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) is controversial. In this systemic review, we investigated the appropriate level of sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

PRISMA guidelines were implemented to complete a systematic review. We performed a computerized systematic literature search using PubMed and EMBASE from January 1990 to July 2016. We chose the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and the methodological index for non-randomized studies tool for examining study bias.

RESULTS

A total of 4075 citations were identified, of which 91 were eligible for inclusion, including 68 observational studies and 23 comparative trials. In observational studies, sympathectomies showed similar efficacies for curing PH at different levels. However, T2-free groups (i.e., at levels T3, T4, or T3-T4 combined) could render a lower risk of Horner's syndrome (0 vs. 1.21 ± 0.49%, p = 0.036) and CH (28.75 ± 7.25 vs. 57.46 ± 3.86, p = 0.002) compared with T2 involved. In comparative trials, there were 12 studies describing the comparison between T2-free ETS and T2 involved, and 9 of 12 (75%) showed T2-free ETS could reduce the incidence of CH. Overall, lowering the level and limiting the extent of sympathectomy could reduce the incidence of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Cumulative data from more than 13,000 patients suggest that ETS is a safe, effective, and reproducible procedure with a high degree of patient satisfaction. Currently available evidence suggests that T2-free ETS may reduce the incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis without compromising success rates and safety.

Video-Assisted Thoracic Sympathectomy for Hyperhidrosis

By the 1980s, endoscopy was in use by some groups in sympathetic denervation of the upper limbs with vascular indications. Low morbidity, cosmetic results, reduction in the incidence of Horner syndrome, and the shortened time in hospital made video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy (VATS) better accepted by those undergoing treatment for hyperhidrosis. Over the last 25 years, this surgical procedure has become routine in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, leading to a significant increase in the number of papers on the subject in the literature.

Long term compensatory sweating results after sympathectomy for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is currently the best treatment for primary upper extremity hyperhidrosis, but the potential for adverse effects, particularly the development of compensatory sweating, is a concern and often precludes surgery as a definitive therapy. This study aims to evaluate long-term results of two-stage unilateral versus one-stage bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

METHODS

From November 1995 to February 2011, 261 patients with severe palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis underwent endoscopic sympathectomy with a follow-up of at least 4 years. One-hundred and twenty-six patients received one-stage bilateral, single port video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (one-stage group) and 135 patients underwent two-stage unilateral, single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy, with a mean time interval of four months between the procedures (two-stage group).

RESULTS

The mean postoperative follow-up period was 7.2 years (range, 4-9 years). Sixteen patients (12.7%) in the one-stage group and 15 patients (11.1%) in the two-stage group suffered from bradycardia (P=0.15). Recurrences occurred in three patients (2.4%) in the one-stage group and one (0.7%) in the two-stage group (P=0,09). Facial flushing or hyperthermia occurred in eight patients (6.3%) in the one-stage group and 11 (8.1%) of the two-stage group. Compensatory sweating occurred in 27 patients (21.4%) in the one-stage group and six patients (4.4%) in the two-stage group (P=0.0001). However, compensatory sweating recovered in five patients (83.3%) in the two-stage group versus nine (33.35%) in one-stage group during the follow-up period (Log-rank test P=0.016; HR, 7.196; 95% CI, 1.431-36.20). An improvement in postoperative quality of life (QoL) scores was observed in at least 90% of patients at three years after surgery in the one-stage group and at least 95% of patients in the two-stage group (P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compensatory sweating seems to improve during the follow-up period with a higher recovery rate after two-stage unilateral versus one-stage bilateral sympathectomy for patients with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.

Bilateral single-port sympathectomy: long-term results and quality of life

Object. Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure for primary hyperhidrosis. This study aims to evaluate long-term results and patients' quality of life and investigate potential variables responsible for compensatory sweating after one-stage bilateral single-port thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Methods. Between 2005 and 2011, 260 consecutive bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomies were performed in 130 patients for primary palmar and axillary hyperidrosis through one-port access. Residual pain, postoperative complications, recurrence of symptoms, heart rate adjustment, and quality of life were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was performed. Results. No operative mortality and conversion to open surgery were recorded. Mean operative time was 38 ± 5 minutes. Mean hospital stay was 1.1 ± 0.6 days. Eight patients (6%) had unilateral pneumothorax. Twenty-five cases (19%) were complicated by compensatory sweating. Winter and fall were identified as protective factors for compensatory sweating occurrence. Decreased heart rate was observed 1 year after surgery and permanently over the time. No recurrence during the follow-up period (31.5 months) was observed and 90% of patients showed improved quality of life. Conclusions. One-stage bilateral miniuniportal thoracoscopic sympathectomy is a valid and safe treatment for primary hyperhidrosis, achieving definitive and esthetic results, with excellent patients' satisfaction. Compensatory sweating may potentially occur in a season-dependent manner.

Two-stage unilateral versus one-stage bilateral single-port sympathectomy for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis

OBJECTIVES

Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy is currently the best treatment for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. It can be performed through either one or two stages of surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the operative and postoperative results of two-stage unilateral vs one-stage bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

METHODS

From November 1995 to February 2011, 270 patients with severe palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis were recruited for this study. One hundred and thirty patients received one-stage bilateral, single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (one-stage group) and 140, two-stage unilateral, single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy, with a mean time interval of 4 months between the procedures (two-stage group).

RESULTS

The mean postoperative follow-up period was 12.5 (range: 1-24 months). After surgery, hands and axillae of all patients were dry and warm. Sixteen (12%) patients of the one-stage group and 15 (11%) of the two-stage group suffered from mild/moderate pain (P = 0.8482). The mean operative time was 38 ± 5 min in the one-stage group and 39 ± 8 min in the two-stage group (P = 0.199). Pneumothorax occurred in 8 (6%) patients of the one-stage group and in 11 (8%) of the two-stage group. Compensatory sweating occurred in 25 (19%) patients of the one-stage group and in 6 (4%) of the two-stage group (P = 0.0001). No patients developed Horner's syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Both two-stage unilateral and one-stage bilateral single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomies are effective, safe and minimally invasive procedures. Two-stage unilateral sympathectomy can be performed with a lower occurrence of compensatory sweating, improving permanently the quality of life in patients with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.

T2-T4 sympathectomy versus T3-T4 sympathicotomy for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the immediate and long-term outcomes of videothoracoscopic T2-T4 sympathectomy and T3-T4 sympathicotomy for the treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

Between October 1993 and September 2007, we treated a total of 88 patients affected by palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. Twenty-four patients underwent T2-T4 sympathectomy with 5-10 mm trocars (Group A), 43 T2-T4 sympathectomy with 2-5 mm trocars (Group B), 15 T3-T4 sympathicotomy with 5-10 mm trocars and 6 T3-T4 ganglion block with 2-5 mm trocars (Group C). The mean operative time, for each side, was 15 min for sympathicotomy and 28 min for sympathectomy. In September 2008, we recontacted 98% of patients (total 86), by telephone, to establish long-term results (follow-up range 1-15 years).

RESULTS

In this series, we did not find any significant difference between T2-T4 sympathectomy and T3-T4 sympathicotomy in terms of postsurgical palmar anhidrosis or onset of compensatory hyperhidrosis, while both methods show high efficacy for remission of palmar hyperhidrosis. The slightly higher recurrence rate in our early experience (Group A) can be attributed to the learning curve. Using smaller trocars (2-5 mm), we reduced postsurgical intercostal pain and obtained better aesthetic results and a higher grade of patient's satisfaction.

INTERPRETATION

Thoracoscopic approach to hyperhidrosis has evolved in the last few decades with a consequent decrease in side effects. In this series, all patients experienced an improvement in quality of life even in case of recurrence or onset of compensatory hyperhidrosis. Due to these results, the shorter operative time and easier performance of sympathicotomy, we prefer this method.

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis: four-year outcome and quality of life after bilateral 5-mm dual port approach

BACKGROUND

During recent years, thoracoscopic sympathectomy has been the standard treatment for hyperhidrosis. Different surgical techniques have been described without proving their advantages compared with other procedures. This study was designed to evaluate our modification of thoracoscopic sympathectomy and to compare the effectiveness between axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

Ninety patients with axillary or palmar hyperhidrosis who underwent bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy with single-lumen ventilation with a dual 5-mm port approach were followed up for a median of 3.9 (range, 1-6) years. The clinical course and data during the hospitalization and consultation in our outpatient clinic were reviewed. The following parameters were evaluated: clinical improvement, satisfaction, changes in quality of life, and compensatory sweating and gustatory sweating.

RESULTS

The perioperative mortality was 0, and the morbidity was 6.5%. In 81% clinical improvement of sweating was noticed; 55% did not sweat at all. A total of 88% of patients were satisfied with the result of the operation. The rates of compensatory sweating and gustatory sweating were 93.5% and 49.4%, respectively. The result of sympathectomy in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were significantly better concerning rate of satisfaction (p = 0.006) and improvement of symptoms (p = 0.027) compared with patients with axillary symptoms. Additionally it was found that the compensatory sweating had significantly impacted the satisfaction rating of the operation.

CONCLUSION

Currently different effective surgical approaches for the treatment of hyperhidrosis with improvement rates of more than 80% are available. The quality of the intervention has to be evaluated by changes in quality of life and intensity of compensatory sweating. Thoracoscopic sympathectomy as performed in our institution offers results and complications comparable to previously published trials; however, because of single-lumen ventilation the management is much easier. Therefore, this technique offers an interesting option for the treatment of patients with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.

The correlation between the method of sympathetic ablation for palmar hyperhidrosis and the occurrence of compensatory hyperhidrosis: a review

BACKGROUND

Upper dorsal sympathectomy achieves excellent long-term results in the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Compensatory hyperhidrosis (CHH) remains an unexplained sequel of this treatment, attaining in a small percentage of cases disastrous proportions. It has been claimed that lowering the level of sympathectomy (from T2 to T3 and even T4), substituting resection by other means of ablation, and limiting its extend reduce the occurrence of this sequel. This review was designed to evaluate the validity of these claims.

METHODS

A MEDLINE search was performed for the years 1990--2006 and all publications about thoracoscopic upper dorsal sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis were retrieved.

RESULTS

The search identified 42 techniques of sympathetic ablation. However, pertinent data for the present study were reported for only 23 techniques with multiple publications found only for 10. The only statistically valid results from this review point that T2 resection and R2 transection of the chain (over the second rib) ensue in less CHH than does electrocoagulation of T2. Further comparisons were probably prevented due to the enormous disparity in the reported results, indicating lack of standardization in definitions.

CONCLUSIONS

The compiled results published so far in the literature do not support the claims that lowering the level of sympathetic ablation, using a method of ablation other than resection, or restricting the extend of sympathetic ablation for primary palmar hyperhidrosis result in less CHH. In the future, standardization of the methods of retrieving and reporting data are necessary to allow such a comparison of data.

Twenty months of evolution following sympathectomy on patients with palmar hyperhidrosis: sympathectomy at the T3 level is better than at the T2 level

OBJECTIVE

To compare two surgical techniques (denervation levels) for sympathectomy using video-assisted thoracoscopy to treat palmar hyperhidrosis in the long-term.

METHODS

From May 2003 to June 2006, 60 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were prospectively randomized for video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy at the T2 or T3 ganglion level. They were followed for a mean of 20 months and were evaluated regarding their degree of improvement of palmar hyperhidrosis, incidence and severity of compensatory hyperhidrosis and its evolution over time, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine cases presented resolution of the palmar hyperhidrosis. One case of therapeutic failure occurred in the T3 group. Most of the patients presented an improvement in palmar hyperhidrosis, without any difference between the groups. Twenty months later, all patients in both groups presented some degree of compensatory hyperhidrosis but with less severity in the T3 group (p = 0.007). Compensatory hyperhidrosis developed in most patients during the first month after the operation, with incidence and severity that remained stable over time. An improvement in quality of life was seen starting from the first postoperative evaluation but without any difference between the groups. This improvement was maintained until the end of the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Both techniques were effective for treating palmar hyperhidrosis. The most frequent complication was compensatory hyperhidrosis, which presented stable incidence and severity over the study period. Sympathectomy at the T3 level presented compensatory hyperhidrosis with less severity. Nevertheless, the improvement in quality of life was similar between the groups.

Thorascopic sympathectomy performed using laser

INTRODUCTION

Thorascopic sympathectomy is accepted as an effective treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis, facial blushing and to a lesser extent for digital ischaemia and axillary hyperhidrosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively on patients undergoing thorascopic sympathectomy at St Peter's Hospital between 1987 and 2006. Patients were followed up by telephone interview.

RESULTS

A total of 233 thorascopic sympathectomy procedures were performed by a single operator in 123 patients. Ages ranged from 9-71 years and 75 were women. In patients, 105 had a bilateral and 13 a unilateral procedure, 5 patients had a bilateral procedure performed in two stages. In 6 upper limbs, the procedure could not be done. Overall, 110 patients (90%) had the procedure performed for palmar hyperhidrosis, 8 (6%) for facial blushing and in 5 (4%) patients the operation was performed for digital ischaemia with tissue loss. There were no deaths and all patients were discharged on day 1 following the procedure. Complications included bleeding (2), pulmonary oedema (1) and failed procedure (2); however, no incidences of Horner's syndrome occurred. Only 40 of 123 (32.5%) patients gave follow-up information. Of this small group, 33 of 40 (83%) were cured, 4 of 40 (10%) were better, 2 of 40 (5%) were unchanged and 1 patient was worse. Only 22 out of 40 (55%) of these patients were troubled by compensatory sweating, with only 4 of 40 (10%) reporting this as a major problem.

CONCLUSIONS

Thorascopic sympathectomy is safe and can be carried out as a single bilateral procedure in the majority of cases. The laser allows the use of a single port, requires less dissection than surgical or clipping techniques, is more precise than diathermy and may be less likely to cause a Horner's syndrome.

Treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis: T(4) level compared with T(3) and T(2)

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of 3 different levels of sympathectomy.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Most surgeons still perform T(2) or T(2-3) sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis, but both these treatments can cause severe side effects. Some recent articles have advocated T(4) sympathectomy and obtained satisfactory results.

METHODS

Between January 2000 and August 2004, 234 records of patients treated for palmar hyperhidrosis were retrospectively reviewed. Of them, 86 patients were treated with endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy of T(2) (ETS(2)), 78 patients with ETS(3), and 70 patients with ETS(4). Follow-up data were collected using a telephone questionnaire with a scoring system. Multiple linear regressions were used to model markers for degree of satisfaction and severity of compensatory sweating (CS), including descriptive data, level of sympathectomy, clinical outcomes, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 47.1 +/- 17.2 months. All 3 levels of sympathectomy could have achieved comparable improvement of palmar hyperhidrosis (P = 0.162). However, 88.5% of the patients noticed CS. Patients with ETS(4) presented the lowest incidence of CS (P = 0.030), had the least severity of CS (beta = -1.537, P = 0.002), and felt the least palmar overdryness (P < 0.001). None expressed regret for the procedure in the ETS(4) group (P = 0.022). Being obese did not increase the incidence of CS, but the severity of CS was directly related to body mass index (beta = 0.917, P < 0.001). The patients would be more satisfied if the severity of CS was minimal (beta = -0.185, P = 0.002). The degree of satisfaction may decrease with time (beta = -0.025, P = 0.003) and was lower when their palms were overdry (beta = -1.463, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Different from the current procedure of T(2) or T(3) sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis, T(4) sympathectomy would be a better and more effective procedure with minimal long-term complications.

Thoracic sympathicolysis for primary hyperhidrosis: a review of 918 procedures

BACKGROUND

Bilateral upper thoracic sympathectomy or sympathicolysis, currently the standard treatment for palmar or axillary hyperhidrosis, is regarded as a safe procedure. This study evaluates the quantitative and qualitative incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications resulting from bilateral thoracic sympathicolysis.

METHODS

From 1996 to 2004, 458 consecutive patients with primary hyperhidrosis underwent surgery. These patients comprised 143 men (31.2%) and 315 women (68.7%) with a mean age of 26 years (range, 14-52 years). In all but seven cases, the procedure was bilaterally synchronous.

RESULTS

No mortality was recorded. The anhydrosis rate was 97.4%, with a hypohidrosis rate of 2.4% and a failure rate of 0.2%. The latter was resolved with reintervention. The mean hospital stay was 17 h. The rate of major perioperative complications with conversion to thoracotomy was 0.4%. The overall rate of postoperative complications was 3.6%. The complications and rates observed were as follows: pneumothorax (2.06%), subcutaneous emphysema (1.08%), pleural bleeding (0.2%), hemothorax (0.1%), and atelectasis (0.1%). Compensatory hyperhidrosis was observed in 48.4% of the patients, but the sensation of compensatory hyperhidrosis was reported in 85.6% of the cases. Excessive dryness of the hands was reported in 0.38%, Horner's syndrome in 0.32%, and gustatory hyperhidrosis in 1.1% of the cases. The overall satisfaction rate was 88.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that endoscopic bilateral thoracic sympathicolysis is an effective method for managing primary hyperhidrosis, especially severe palmar hyperhidrosis, but it is necessary to inform patients fully concerning the undesirable effects.

Evaluation of cardiac sympathetic nerve function by myocardial 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy before and after endoscopic sympathectomy

Object. The purpose of this study was to analyze the change in cardiac sympathetic function by performing a 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging study after endoscopic upper thoracic sympathectomy (EUTS) in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis before and after surgery.

Methods. Between February 1999 and February 2002, 135 patients underwent bilateral EUTS to treat palmar hyperhidrosis. Between September 2001 and February 2002, 12 of these consecutively enrolled patients were also included in a 123I-MIBG imaging study. These patients underwent cardiac 123I-MIBG imaging 1 day before and 7 days after they had undergone EUTS. The heart/mediastinum (H/M) ratio and the washout rate were calculated for both early and late phases, and single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) imaging of the early phase was performed.

Excessive perspiration from the palms disappeared immediately after EUTS in all patients, and they showed no symptoms of a circulatory condition following the procedure. On the 123I-MIBG imaging studies, the early H/M ratio before EUTS was 2.35 ± 0.26 and postoperatively it was 2.29 ± 0.23. The delayed H/M ratio before EUTS was 2.59 ± 0.3 and after the procedure it was 2.66 ± 0.27. There was no significant difference between the H/M ratio before and after EUTS. The washout rate after EUTS (14.27 ± 4.71%) was significantly lower than that measured before EUTS (18.36 ± 5.13%; p < 0.01). No apparent local defects of accumulation of MIBG were found on SPECT images obtained post-EUTS.

Conclusions. Endoscopic upper thoracic sympathectomy is a minimally invasive procedure; no local denervation was found after EUTS. Findings on 123I-MIBG imaging studies indicate that EUTS suppresses the activation of the sympathetic nervous system slightly, similar to beta-blocker therapy.