Abstract
Background Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (VATS) is the gold standard for patients
with hyperhidrosis of the upper limbs. The primary aim of this retrospective study
was to evaluate the midterm outcome and the degree of satisfaction of patients who
underwent single-port VATS.
Methods Forty three patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis underwent T3, T4 VATS single-port
approach, between January 2009 and May 2011. Early and midterm outcome with particular
emphasis on patient satisfaction were collected by hospital chart and telephonic interview.
Results The mean follow-up was 14 months. No major perioperative complication occurred except
for chylothorax in a case. During the immediate postoperative period, all the patients
reported palmar anhydrosis. Compensatory sweating (6.9%) and recurrence of hyperhidrosis
(6.9%) are responsible mainly for dissatisfaction. No patients experienced moderate
or severe chronic pain.
Conclusions Single-port VATS is a feasible and minimally invasive technique with a low incidence
of chronic pain for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. A few patients may experience
compensatory sweating and recurrence of hyperhidrosis. The degree of patient satisfaction
with the midterm surgical results is high.
Keywords
hyperhidrosis - surgery - complications - thoracoscopy/VATS
