Impact of transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy on plantar hyperhidrosis

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Panagiotis Paliogiannis
Fabrizio Scognamillo
Federico Attene
Carlo Pala
Antonio Marrosu
Fabio Pulighe
Mario Trignano

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy on plantar hyperhidrosis in patients operated on for upper limb hyperhidrosis.


MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2003 to 2011, 41 consecutive patients underwent videothoracoscopic T3-T4 sympathicotomy or T3-T4 ganglion block at our Unit for upper limb hyperhidrosis. Twenty-one (51%) were affected by palmar hyperhidrosis and 20 (49%) by palmar and axillary hperhidrosis combined. The patients affected by the plantar form were 26 (63%). Clinical follow-up was performed at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Phone interviews and/or clinical assessment were made after a variable period of time (range 6 months to 8 years) to asses long term results.


RESULTS: Plantar hyperhidrosis improved in 14 patients, which represents the 54% of the sufferers and the 34% of all patients. It was partially regressed in 11 patients (79%) and resolved in 3 cases (21%). There were not significant differences between patients treated with sympathicotomy and those treated with ganglion block.


CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy performed through T3-T4 sympathicotomy or ganglion block improves plantar hyperhidrosis in approximately 54% of the affected patients, with a partial and complete resolution rate of 79% and 21% respectively.

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How to Cite
Paliogiannis, Panagiotis, et al. “Impact of Transthoracic Endoscopic Sympathectomy on Plantar Hyperhidrosis”. Annali Italiani Di Chirurgia, vol. 85, no. 2, Mar. 2014, pp. 114-9, https://annaliitalianidichirurgia.it/index.php/aic/article/view/271.
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