Influence of T3 or T4 sympathicotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis

Abstract

Background: This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathicotomy at the T3 or T4 level in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis.

Methods: Patients were operated on for palmar hyperhidrosis from April 2004 to December 2007, and classified as the T3 (n = 56) or T4 (n = 63) sympathicotomy group.

Results: The rate of dryness and compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) was significantly lower in the T4 sympathicotomy group than the T3 group (P < .01). Satisfaction rate, recurrence, and improvement of plantar sweating were of no statistical significance in either group.

Conclusions: Although both sympathicotomies were effective, safe, and minimally invasive methods for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis, T4 appeared to be a more optimal technique with less CH.