RESULTS

Results from thoracic sympathectomies under thoracoscopy: 

1 - Methodology

Our practice has treated more than 800 patients between 1992 and 2005. 

This represent a large percentage of the patients treated in France.

Here is a retrospective analysis of our results:

After an attempt to follow up with our patients so far in 2004, 25% did not respond

The follow up varies from patients from a year ago, to patients from 12 years ago, with an average of 4.5 years. 

2 - Curing hyperhidrosis. 

The functional result of this procedure is excellent ( about 95% positive) 

Hands will be completely dry as soon as the patient leaves the operating room.

3 – Lasting results

13 years after our first patient, feedback is positive and results are lasting. 

There is no late hyperhidrosis relapse. 

4 – Compensatory sweating following sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis. 

This symptom is about sweating in other areas than the ones initially affected by hyperhidrosis. 

Whereas a complete remission from hands or armpit hyperhidrosis is evident, an excess of sweating will usually occur at another location, usually between the breast or between the scapula. 

The profit/risk ratio is however still in favor of doing the procedure since the compensatory mechanism is usually well received with patients compared to the original disorder. Indeed, in no cases was the compensatory mechanism more disabling than the original disease. 

Our rate of compensatory sweating is relatively small compared to the norm and this might be because of our greater care in resecting a smaller portion of the sympathetic ganglia.