Research Article
Evaluating the Role of Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy in Treatment of Palmar Hyperhidrosis in Children
Ahmed M Abdel Modaber1*, Ahmed Hammad1 and Vusal Aliyev2
1Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt
2Department of General Surgery, Emsey Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
*Corresponding author: Ahmed M Abdel Modaber, Department of General Surgery, Mansoura University, Egypt
Published: 14 Mar, 2018
Cite this article as: Modaber AMA, Hammad A, Aliyev V.
Evaluating the Role of Thoracoscopic
Sympathectomy in Treatment of Palmar
Hyperhidrosis in Children. Clin Surg.
2018; 3: 1937.
Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of thoracoscopic sympathectomy in treatment of
palmar hyperhidrosis in pediatric patients as regards methods, indications, contraindications,
complications and follow up of patients undergoing thoracoscopic procedures. Twenty patients
with palmar hyperhidrosis Grade 3 and 4 HDSS amenable for thoracoscopic sympathectomy were
primarily managed. The study compromise 12 males and 8 females; the mean age at intervention
was 10 (range 6 to14) years. All were evaluated preoperatively with detailed history, full physical
examination and the required investigations to confirm the diagnosis and to assess the fitness
for surgery. Consent was then taken after discussing everything with the parents. All cases were
intubated with double lung ventilation; no single-lung ventilation was used due to anesthetic
difficulties. In all cases the procedure was completed thoracoscopically, and none of our patients
required conversion to open surgery. Patients were evaluated postoperatively and followed up for
at least 3 months postoperatively. Careful patient selection is essential to minimize the morbidity of
thoracoscopic procedures. Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is a straight forward procedure, resection
of the sympathetic chain rather than cauterization helps to decrease the incidence of recurrence,
yet it might be associated with longer operative time and higher incidence of excessive dryness,
which is usually well tolerated by the patients. One patient required redo surgery; no patients had a
significant morbidity related to the thoracoscopic procedure and no single mortality. Thoracoscopic
sympathectomy as performed in our institution offers comparable results and complications as
previously published trials, but due to single-lumen ventilation the intraoperative management is a
little bit prolonged. Therefore, this technique offers an interesting option for the treatment of patients
with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. In the treatment of sympathetically mediated disorders,
minimally invasive techniques for thoracoscopic sympathectomy have equivalent outcomes to
those reported previously for open surgical techniques; however, the associated morbidity rate and
the period of hospital stay are substantially reduced when utilizing these newer techniques. Our
experience suggests that video-assisted thoracic bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy constitutes
a valid and feasible intervention for the definitive treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.
However, the impact of thoracoscopic sympathectomy on the quality of patient life is still very
difficult to assess, as such assessment involves various variables whether subjective or objective.
Consequently, a protocol for case selection and different objective and subjective criteria for
evaluation of outcome need to be carefully postulated. Taken together, the results obtained lead
to support to the idea that the surgical technique of bilateral upper thoracic sympathectomy offers
a favorable treatment for primary hyperhidrosis. This is exemplified by the high level of patient
satisfaction, the very low morbidity rate, and the acceptable levels of postoperative comfort despite
the notable incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis.
Keywords: Sympathetic chain; Sweating; Thoracoscopy; Palmar hyperhidrosis
Introduction
Primary or essential hyperhidrosis is a disorder characterized by excessive sweating in
disproportion to that required for thermoregulation and dissipation of body heat. In most cases
this excessive sweating is aggravated by emotional factors and also by heat. Hyperhidrosis presents
preferential sites such as head and face, palms, soles and axillae, in addition to their various
associations. However, the severe clinical characteristic of hyperhidrosis is the intense discomfort it
causes to the patient. This discomfort can be seen in a great number of routine activities, leading to
significant unease, embarrassment and shame, and severely compromising the affective, professional and social life of those affected. The etiology of this dysfunction is not completely known yet, but it is certain that there is excessive
sympathetic stimulation by the sudomotor center [1].
Copious palmar sweating causes difficulty in social contact,
writing, manual activities, and handling objects, among others. Sweaty
feet, besides the discomfort they produce, render the use of sandals or
even walking barefoot difficult. Axillary hyperhidrosis dampens and
stains clothes in addition to embarrassing their wearers, who usually
then use only black or white clothes. Craniofacial hyperhidrosis
intensely embarrasses those who present it, by drawing attention
to them and at the same time making them feel insecure, afraid
and lacking in confidence. There is no doubt that there is clinical
predominance of varying intensities of embarrassment, isolation,
insecurity and difficulties in the sufferers’ social, professional and
affective lives. In a significant number of cases this insecurity is
aggravated by the little importance given to the patient’s complaint,
both by relatives and even by the attending physicians, failure in the
diagnosis and often a succession of previously proposed ineffective
measures [1].
A standard definition of excessive sweating has not yet been
established. Quantification of sweat production in studies has
ranged from normal being defined as less than 1 mL/m2/min to the
production of less than 100 mg of sweat in one axilla within 5 min,
or less than 50 mg within 1 min. The fundamental criticism of these
measurement parameters is the fact that they fail to take into account
surface area. As a consequence, smaller people may end up falling
below this quantitative definition, despite excessive and debilitating
sweating. For practical purposes, any degree of sweating that interferes
with activities of daily living can be viewed as hyperhidrosis [2].
Hyperhidrosis is divided into primary or idiopathic hyperhidrosis
and secondary due to a variety of causes. This classification is
further categorized as generalized or focal with respect to its clinical
presentation. Primary or idiopathic hyperhidrosis is usually focal
and limited to the axillae, palms and soles, and face. Secondary
hyperhidrosis can be focal or generalized, affecting the entire body.
The focus of this study is on the diagnosis and management of
hyperhidrosis, with a focus on primary focal idiopathic hyperhidrosis.
With a reported prevalence of 2.8% of the population, and associated
significant psychosocial morbidity, it is imperative that physicians
recognize this disease entity and understand the various treatment
modalities that are available. Treatment strategies for hyperhidrosis
include topical, oral, surgical, and nonsurgical treatments. These
treatment modalities differ with respect to their therapeutic efficacy,
duration of effect, side effects, as well as cost of therapy [2].
For many years it has been known that cervicothoracic
sympathectomy can eliminate palmar hyperhidrosis symptoms.
The presence of serious complications after conventional surgery,
especially Horner’s syndrome caused by stellate ganglion injury, has
led this procedure to be little used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis
[3].
In the 1950s, Edhard Kux used direct thoracoscopy to successfully
perform thoracoscopic sympathectomy, with the potential ability
to avoid such complications. However, this important advance did
not have the expected impact probably because minimally invasive
surgeries at that time were not popular, nor did they receive attention
from the medical community. In the 1990s, the systematization of
video-assisted thoracoscopy allowed thoracic sympathectomy to be
indicated and used with significant benefit to patients. Thoracoscopic
sympathectomy is indicated in different situations, notably
hyperhidrosis, reflex sympathetic dystrophy and ischemic upper limb
syndromes [3].
Good results using thoracoscopic sympathectomy have been
presented by some groups, although hyperhidrosis represented
a small proportion of the cases. Upon reviewing the literature,
the extremely small number of hyperhidrosis cases undergoing
operation becomes evident. We believe that this is probably due to
insufficient knowledge of the disease among our colleagues (may
be due to the huge clinical interface involved) as well as among
patients themselves. From the outset, the enormous satisfaction of
hyperhidrosis patients undergoing operation has been noteworthy.
There has been a great flow of patients, many of whom without
previous diagnosis or attributing their condition to “anxiety”, “this
is my nature”, “weakness” or even “dirtiness” (usually a depreciative
situation), as well as the characteristic nuisance in everyday life. Such
unexpected incidence seems to show that this disorder, which is so
frequently without diagnosis, may present higher prevalence than
we had supposed. At the same time, this increase in experience has
fostered several modifications and simplified the surgical technique,
which has become quicker, safer and cheaper [1].
The aim of the present study is to assess the feasibility, advantages,
disadvantages and outcomes of thoracoscopic sympathectomy
among children presenting severe and disabling hyperhidrosis who
were submitted to video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy.
Patients and Methods
A study on endoscopic thoracic sympathectomies for palmar
hyperhidrosis was undertaken based on case history, a pre- and
postoperative questionnaire survey and perioperative data.
The sample comprised 20 patients. Excessive sweating of the
palms was experienced by all, and excessive sweating of the soles was
experienced by 18 (90%) patients. All of these patients complained
of hyperhidrosis causing considerable social embarrassment and
interfered with the performance of everyday tasks. The most
consistent complaints were embarrassment on shaking hands and
difficulties in writing and drawing. Twelve patients (60%) were males
and eight patients (40%) were females; the mean age at intervention
was 10 (range, 6 to 14) years.
Patients underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Diagnosis
was based on clinical feature. Written, informed consent was
obtained from all patients. All data, including sex, age, medication,
and complications, were obtained from clinical records. Clinical
follow-up data were obtained by reviewing hospital records and direct
communication with the patients or attending physicians. All patients
answered a questionnaire concerning changes in sweating and quality
of life (scale: improved, unchanged) as well as compensatory and
gustatory sweating (present or no gustatory/compensatory sweating)
and overall satisfaction with the results of the operation. Bilateral
video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomies were performed
in 8 cases, 2 cases in two stage procedures, and in 6 cases bilateral
sympathectomy was done in single stage procedure. The mean followup
period was 6 months, ranging from 3 to 12 months. None of the
patients had undergone a previous hyperhidrosis operation. Patient
satisfaction was classified into four grades: very satisfied, satisfied, fair,
and unsatisfied. The reasons for dissatisfaction were also reviewed.
Inclusion criteria
Patients included in this study are those with primary palmar
and/or axillary hyperhidrosis interfering with the quality of life,
Grade 3 or 4 HDSS with failed medical treatment for at least 6 month.
Exclusion Criteria
• Age above 14 years.
• Patients with respiratory or haemodynamic compromise.
• Previous thoracotomy.
• Failed previous thoracoscopy, where failure means
significant complication related to the thoracoscopic procedure.
• Patients with suspected cause of secondary hyperhidrosis
e.g hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, Hodgkin’s disease or
psychosis.
Preoperative evaluation
After detailed history and full physical examination, each patient
underwent the proper investigations to confirm the diagnosis and
assess the fitness for surgery. Consent will be taken after discussing
with the parents the details of the procedure, expected benefits and
possible intra- and postoperative complications.
These patients will be studied through following regimen:
A. Clinical history: In children scheduled for thoracoscopic
procedures, the clinical scenario was of elective procedure. Personal
history, including: age, sex, location and date of birth. Present history
with onset of complains, past medical and surgical history. Family
history with special attention to similar condition in any other
relatives and positive consanguinity between parents.
B. Full clinical examination: The preoperative history and
physical examination should be directed at identifying acute problems
or underlying medical conditions as well as previously undiagnosed
problems that can place the patient at an increased risk during the
perioperative management.
*General examination:
• Weight.
• Body build, general appearance and overall activity.
• Blood pressure, pulse, temperature and respiratory rate.
• Chest examination.
*Special examination:
• Hand and sole examination with clinical assessment of
severity of hyperhidrosis according to hyperhidrosis disease severity
scoring system (HDSS) grade 1 to 4 for postoperative assessment of
improvement of symptoms. Patients chosen in this study were either
of moderate (Grade 3) or severe (Grade 4) cases.
• Proper examination of any possibly affected system.
C. Investigations:
*Laboratory tests:
• Preoperative laboratory evaluation depends on the clinical
status of the patient more than the procedure itself.
• Full blood count, bleeding profile, urea and electrolytes are
performed routinely.
• Liver and renal functions if needed.
• Arterial blood gases in selected patients.
• Additional preoperative evaluations such as pulmonary
function testing or ECG are not routinely indicated, but rather
obtained based on the patient medical history and associated
underlying illness.
*Radiology:
• Plain chest X-ray postero-anterior (P.A.) view will generally
be needed in most cases for preoperative assessment.
• Plain cervical spine X-ray to rule out cervical rib.
• Echocardiography for patients with history suggestive of
cardiac problems.
D. Consent for surgery: Consent will be taken from the parents
discussing with them the operative procedure and the possible
intraoperative and postoperative complications, together with the
need for postoperative ventilation and its possible hazards. Patients
have to be thoroughly informed about success and complication rates
as well as side effects of sympathetic surgery.
Operative technique
The goals of any approach should be a complete autonomic
denervation of the hands without complications, no recurrence,
minimal or no hospital stay, and the ability to perform single-stage
bilateral sympathectomies, and include use of progressively smaller
“needlescopic” ports to perform a sympathotomy with simple division
of the sympathetic chain just above T2, and selective ramicotomy
with division of the T2 to T3 sympathectomy with horizontal scoring
of the bodies of ribs 2 and 3 to ablate any accessory fibers of Kuntz.
A. Premedication and anesthetic induction: Two venous
accesses prior to the start of the procedure will mostly be inserted as
the surgery is performed in the lateral decubitus position.
In patients with severe cardiac instability and where major
haemodynamic fluctuations are expected, invasive arterial blood
pressure monitoring will be used. Atropine will be administered as
a vagolytic. Antiemetics and H2 antagonists will be administered
in patients at risk for aspiration. Inhalational or intravenous
induction followed by neuromuscular blocking drug will be used to
facilitate endotracheal intubation. Intraoperative analgesic that will
be generally used is Fentanyl. Under general anaesthesia, routine
monitoring of ECG, oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO2 and noninvasive
blood pressure measurements are established.
B. Intraoperative anesthetic care: Thoracoscopy will be
performed using general anesthesia either by the ordinary 2 lung
ventilation or single lung ventilation using a regular single lumen
endotracheal tubes (sized according to age). Prophylactic antibiotic
dose was given routinely with the induction of anesthesia. Local
anesthetic infiltration was given at the port sites to decrease
postoperative pain.
C. Positioning: Patients underwent surgery while in a lateral
decubitus position (i.e., leaning forward approximately 15 degrees
beyond perpendicular) with the side on which surgery to be performed
facing up; with 20o anti-Trendelenberg tilt of the table (Figure 1).
D- Sterilization and draping: Thorough sterilization of the
operative field, using Povidone Iodine (Bethadine) was done. Then, the whole body was covered, exposing the desired area.
E- Equipment and instruments: Tools are checked prior to
surgery, the endoscopic tools included:
• Trocar: 5.5 mm diameter rigid trocar.
• Cannulas: 5.5 mm and 3 mm valved and non-valved
cannulas.
• Telescope: 5 mm 45o telescope (Olympus AR-T10E).
• Camera: Olympus OTV-S7
• Colored video monitor, video output and recorder.
• Light source.
• Insufflator: (Martin).
• Thoracoscopic instruments: most of the instruments used
were 20 cm to 30 cms in length, most of them were black coated to
avoid light reflection and the shafts can rotate around their axes.
These instruments included: Marylands, graspers, scissors, right
angled forceps, monopolar and bipolar cautery and a 5-mm diameter
suction/irrigation device, harmonic scalpel and Ligasure.
• Thoracoscopic instruments used in this study (Figure 2).
F. Room setup and position of the team: In this study, the whole
team included four or five personnel; three or four were scrubbed,
while the circulating nurse was not. In general, the surgeon and the
assistant (camera man) were on the side facing the patient, while the
scrub nurse and the second assistant (if needed) stood on the opposite
side.
G. Ports and placement: Three ports are used. Port placement
and location are important for good endoscopic visualization
and manipulation of the instruments during the procedure. The
endoscope is placed in one port, and the instruments are placed in
the remaining ports (Figure 3).
H. Steps of the procedure: Adequate visualization was achieved
by the routine use of low-flow (1 L/min), low-pressure (6 mmHg), CO2
insufflation during the procedure, which kept the lung compressed.
If visualization is not adequate, then the pressure and flow were
gradually increased until adequate lung collapse was obtained. We
did not increase the pressure more than 8 mmHg.
Exploration of the thoracic cavity is performed, and any adhesions
of the lung and parietal pleura are coagulated and divided. The lung
is manually retracted, which is facilitated by rotating the operating
table and placing the patient in a reverse Trendelenburg position that
allows the lung to fall away from the upper mediastinum.
Anatomical landmarks identified are the first through fourth ribs
and the sympathetic chain beneath the pleura coursing over each rib
head (Figure 4). To avoid hyperemia and obscured visualization, the
pleura over the sympathetic chain should not be “palpated” with the
endoscopic instruments. The extent of the removal of the sympathetic
chain can be tailored to the individual patient. Resection of the T-2
sympathetic ganglion is the minimum requirement of the procedure.
A more complete sympathetic denervation of the upper extremity
and axilla involves excising the sympathetic chain from immediately below the stellate ganglion to T-4. The stellate ganglion is located
within the fat pad that envelops the subclavian artery. The intercostal
vessels course over the midportion of the vertebral body, and the
azygos veins draining the intercostals veins should be avoided during
the dissection of the sympathetic chain.
We use either hook cautery or harmonic scissors to open the
pleura overlying the sympathetic chain. One important anatomic issue
is the identification of the first rib and the upper border of the second
rib. Avoidance of Horner's syndrome depends on preservation of the
stellate ganglion at T1. If one limits dissection to below the upper
border of the second rib, injury to the stellate ganglion can usually be
avoided. The first rib is often difficult to visualize thoracoscopically.
It is often covered by an area of bright yellow fat at its costovertebral
junction, which serves as a useful landmark. The surgeon should
thoracoscopically “palpate” the soft tissue above the apparent first
rib to be sure there is no further cephalad rib. Once the first rib is
localized, the pleura is opened and the second rib identified. No
further dissection is carried out above the upper border of the second
rib. This also decreases the chances for injury to the T1 outflow to the
lower cord of the brachial plexus which crosses the first rib to join C8
and the lower cord of the plexus. The main sympathetic chain is then
elevated from T2 to T3.
The dissection is begun by incising the pleura over the sympathetic
chain by using curved scissors to gain exposure cephalad up to the
stellate ganglion. The scissors are then used to dissect the sympathetic
chain from its bed by dividing the rami communicantes at each level
(Figure 5 left). The creation of a dissection plane immediately beneath
the sympathetic chain avoids the underlying intercostal vessels, but
occasionally, intercostal vessels course over the sympathetic chain
and require either cauterization or clipping and dividing.
Resection of the sympathetic chain is extended cephalad to the
inferior aspect of the stellate ganglion to achieve adequate sympathetic
denervation of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus while avoiding
injury to the stellate ganglion. The nerve of Kuntz is a large branch
that extends caudally from the stellate ganglia (Figure 5 right) within
the fat pad. The ramus arising laterally from the sympathetic chain is
the Nerve of Kuntz, which is slightly larger than the other rami and
must be interrupted to achieve adequate sympathetic denervation
of the upper extremity. This also was transected by diathermy hook.
To avoid injury that can result in Horner’s syndrome, the stellate
ganglion should not be disturbed. The sympathetic chain is then
excised and sent for histopathological examination to confirm tissue
diagnosis. The dissection bed is irrigated and hemostasis is ensured. A
small (No. 20–24 French) chest tube is inserted through the posterior
axillary port, and the lung is reinflated by the anesthetist. The port
incisions are closed in two layers, intramuscular and subcuticular skin
suture. Finally, specimens were sent for histopathological assessment.
I. Recovery: At the completion of the procedure, the pneumothorax
will be evacuated and the two lungs will be reinstituted. Several large
volume breaths will be delivered to ensure reexpansion of the lung on
the operative side. In most cases, residual neuromuscular blockade
will be reversed, and the patient’s trachea will be extubated.
J. Postoperative care and pain management: Under water seal
chest tube is placed in the posterior axillary port, and an immediate
chest X-ray film is obtained to verify proper inflation of the lung. The
chest tube is usually removed on the next day after chest X-ray.
Postoperative analgesia will be provided with long acting
local anesthesia (Marcane). If there is no underlying qualitative or
quantitative platelet issue, non steroidal anti inflammatory agents
will be used to treat fever as well as provide adjunctive analgesia.
Postoperative complications will be monitored especially air leak,
bleeding as well as respiratory insufficiency and arrhythmias. The
patients were mobilized early, and most patients were discharged on
the 2nd or 3rd day postoperative.
Follow up
The first visit of the patient to the outpatient clinic is 7 days
after discharge. The follow up at this time is focused on wound
examination, patient reassurance and changing any medications if
still needed. One month then three months clinical and radiological
(if needed) follow up is then done for all the patients. Subsequent
visits depend on the patient's condition. The follow up evaluation is
based mainly on the following data:
• Patient satisfaction and the effect on the quality of life.
• Medications needed: Cause, type and dose.
• Imaging: Chest x-ray done 1 month postoperatively to
exclude partial lung collapse.
• Occurrence of complications during the follow up period.
Patients with hyperhidrosis were evaluated for the presence or
absence of sweaty palms and surgery-related complications, and
delayed-onset complications of compensatory hyperhidrosis or
gustatory sweating were also determined. The incidence and severity
of recurrent symptoms were evaluated, and patients were questioned
as to their “overall satisfaction” and willingness to undergo a repeated
procedure.
Figure 1
Figure 1
Artist’s drawing depicting the lateral positioning of the patient (same
as for a thoracotomy) undergoing right thoracoscopic sympathectomy [5].
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 3
Artist’s illustration showing the endoscopic port locations and
instrument placement for sympathectomy procedure [5].
Figure 4
Figure 4
Artist’s drawing of intrathoracic anatomy of right upper thorax
demonstrating the location of sympathetic ganglia and chain. a. = artery; n.
= nerve; v. = vein [5].
Figure 5
Figure 5
Illustration depicting division of rami communicantes at each level
(left) and division of the sympathetic chain at the inferior aspect of the stellate
ganglion and T-4 (right). Inf. = inferior; Sup. = superior [5].
Figure 6
Figure 7
Table 1
Results
Patients demographics included 12 males (60%) and 8 females
(40%). The median age of the included patients (at time of surgery)
was 10 years (range, 6-14). Ethnic origin was white in 100%. Twenty
patients with excessive sweating in both upper limbs (palmar with
or without axillary, plantar, or facial hyperhidrosis) interfering with
the quality of their lives underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic
sympathectomy in this study. 14 of them had palmar and axillary
hyperhidrosis, while the other 6 had isolated palmar hyperhidrosis.
All had associated plantar hyperhidrosis. Two of the patients
had previous tonsillectomy. The others had no previous surgical
procedures. Two of the patients had history of bronchial asthma.
The others had no present history of other system affection. All had
insignificant past medical history. Family history was irrelevant in all
patients. On examination all were vitally stable, of average body built
and had good overall activity.
All patients showed no abnormalities in their preoperative
laboratory investigations. Plain cervical spine X-ray showed no cervical
rib in any of them. After obtaining detailed consents and anesthetic
consultations they were all scheduled for surgery (Table 1 and 2).
Twelve patients underwent unilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy
to the right side being right handed persons. Eight patients underwent
bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomies, two patients on two
staged procedures and six at the same session (Table 3). The average
duration of postoperative stay ranged between 2 to 3 days (Table
4). After sympathectomy, 14 (70%) patients were completely free of
sweating on the side of operation, 4 (20%) patients had partial relieve
of symptoms (still have axillary sweating), and 2 (10%) patients were
not improved (recurrent). Outcome is summarized in Table 5. The
overall rate of postoperative complications were 10% (2/20 cases).
One patient suffers from postoperative pneumothorax (5%, 1/20) due
to kink and blockage of the chest tube, which resolve spontaneously
after dealing with the chest tube, the other had hemothorax (5%, 1/20)
that was controlled spontaneously by respiratory physiotherapy, and
did not require blood transfusion. Isolated radiological subcutaneous
emphysema was noticed in three patients and required no more
than follow up. Pleural bleeding and atelectasis was noticed in none
of our patients (Table 6). The most common postoperative side
effect was compensatory sweating which was encountered in eight
patients (40%). This phenomenon is also called reflex hyperhidrosis,
and patients were always given information about it before surgery.
It affects either the other innervated upper limb in patients who
underwent unilateral sympathectomy or the trunk (abdominal or
lumbar region) and feet in bilateral sympathectomy. This was seen in
mild to moderate form and was tolerated by all patients.
Pain at port site was encountered in 2 cases during the first month
after intervention, mostly an invalid pain (sympathetic neuralgia) and
improved during follow up period.
Approximately 70% of the patients reported a significant decrease
in excessive palmar sweating (sweating only under intense heat). The
remaining 30% either did not present a significant decrease in the
palmar symptoms or were lost during follow up.
The immediate results were fairly good, but it seemed to worsen with time. Relapses or persistence of less intense symptoms occurred
in approximately 10% of the palmar hyperhidrosis cases.
In two patients (2/20, 10%) with hyperhidrosis who were
operated on at the beginning of the series, partial recurrence of
symptoms or hypohidrosis occurred. One patient (8 years old female)
had an aberrant nerve on the right side, this was identified on redo
for partial recurrence of symptoms and the nerve was resected. The
second patient refused to undergo a redo procedure despite partial
recurrence of symptoms.
Hypohidrosis of the denervated area was recorded in single
case after 12 weeks of intervention, involving palmar and axillary
hypohidrosis. It’s to be considered as mild form of recurrence. In this
patient the symptoms were controlled using medication and there
was no need for reoperation.
Concedring facial blushing, postoperative craniofacial
hyperhidrosis or facial blushing was observed in single case that
underwent bilateral staged sympathectomy. It is to be considered as
mild form of compensatory hyperhidrosis, or it was already present
preoperative but was not noticed by the patient or exacerbated by
sympathectomy (Table 7).
Table 2
Table 3
Table 3
Summary of 23 sympathectomy procedures in which uni- and bilateral
approaches were used in 20 patients.
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 6
Early postoperative complications and results after operations for
palmar hyperhidrosis in the 20 patients.
Table 7
Discussion
Palmar hyperhidrosis is characterized primarily by excessive
sweating in the palms and is aggravated by minor stresses. The
cause is unknown and the incidence ranges from 0.15% to 1% but
may be higher in Asian populations [6]. There is significant social
and psychological impact on younger patients. These symptoms
are poorly controlled with medical or topical therapy, and patients
with these symptoms are good candidates for sympathectomy [5]. In
this study, we evaluated the application of thoracoscopy in children
for management of palmar hyperhidrosis and recorded our early
experience. The study was conducted on 20 patients, 12 males and
8 females; with average age of 10 years. Our sample size was small,
only 20 patients, which is accepted when compared to the few reports
of hyperhidrosis in children. Our patients' average age was 10 years
(range 6-14 years). The only available large series on children was by
Cohen Z et al. [7], where they reported 34 children, with their age
ranging from 6 to 12 years. Table 8 summary of 20 patients with
hyperhidrosis.
Most of the authors reported higher age groups, for example,
Zacherl had 26 patients aged from 11 to l7 years [8]. Others as
Moya et al. [9] reported their experience on groups of patients aged
between 22.9 to 27.4 years. In this study the male to female ratio was
3:2. This is similar to some reports in literature [10] although another
study reported 1:1.5 or 1:2 ratio [11]. In our series, all patients had
bilateral palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis, where 14 of them (70%)
had an associated axillary hyperhidrosis. These findings are similar
to those reported by Yano (63%) [12]. Villaça et al. [1] reported
higher incidence of associated axillary sweating (90.7% and 83.3%
respectively).
In our assessment of the degree of severity we used clinical
assessment according to patient symptomatology described by
hyperhidrosis disease severity scoring system (HDSS) [4]. Others
used more quantitative parameters for assessment of degree of
severity as measuring the amount of sweat gravimetrically on filter
paper or by iodine starch test, or the ninhydrin test [13,14]. The
therapeutic options for the management of hyperhidrosis have
traditionally been nonoperative. These include topical astringents,
absorbing powders, and anticholinergic drugs. Other methods of
treatment have included biofeedback, iontophoresis, botulinum
toxin, and percutaneous phenol block. These methods seldom give
sufficient relief, their effects are usually transient, and they are not
without associated side effects. The anticholinergics commonly cause
dry mouth and blurry vision, making their long-term use undesirable.
Botox (Botulinum toxin type A) is effective as treatment for axillary
and palmar hyperhidrosis; however, the effects usually last only 3
to 4 months with repeated injections required. Therefore, surgical
sympathectomy is assuming a larger role as primary therapy, especially
in children and adolescence [15]. Twelve patients (60%) underwent
unilateral sympathectomy. Eight patients (40%) underwent bilateral
thoracoscopic sympathectomies at one or two stage, six at the same
session (30%). We shifted from staged sympathectomy to bilateral
same session surgery because we found that the recovery and results
are similar. The same was reported by others [16].
The most popular example of open sympathectomy is using the
transcervical route, where injury to the stellate ganglion is in fact
very frequent and expected, producing significant sequelae: the socalled
Claude-Bernard-Horner syndrome (palpebral ptosis, miosis
and enophthalmos). In addition, injuries to the phrenic nerve and
direct injury to the brachial plexus, among others, may occur. Such
an incidence of complications led to restricted use of this technique
(only in patients with severe ischemia) [17].
The excellent view of the ganglion, together with adequate
magnification, allows for precise division of the ganglion, which
results in lower incidences of Horner's syndrome (0.4% to 2.4%)
when compared with open sympathectomy [18].
With the advent of video-assisted thoracoscopy, the spread of this
method and its safety, thoracoscopic sympathectomy has acquired
an important position in the treatment of this disease, especially in
Asia and Europe. This access route, after the surgeon has acquired
adequate experience through training in videoassisted thoracoscopy,
allows well-directed surgery to be performed, with minimal risk of
the disagreeable complications that occurred in the past when the
transcervical route was used, as well as the sequelae and scars of
classical thoracotomy [19].
Although open operative procedures to treat hyperhidrosis
successfully resolved symptoms in more than 95% of cases [20]; yet
open sympathectomy is rarely performed currently because of higher
morbidity, longer operation time, and hospital stay, which led to
restricted use of this technique [21].
By utilizing evolved techniques for thoracic sympathectomy
we can now achieve improved patient care and outcomes [22].
Previously, sympathetically mediated syndromes required highly
invasive surgical procedures to resect a relatively small portion of the
upper thoracic sympathetic ganglia [20].
Despite these issues, previous surgical procedures produced
acceptable longterm clinical results [23]. Consequently, less traumatic
and invasive procedures for sympathectomy have been sought.
Careful patient selection is essential to minimize the morbidity of
thoracoscopic procedures. Although some patients may be treated by
minimally invasive techniques, there are still some individual patients
who are treated more safely by open thoracic surgical procedures. It
is this clinical judgment by pediatric surgeons that mandates when
these techniques are used on children [24].
For severe hyperhidrosis, thoracoscopic sympathectomy is the
‘‘gold standard’’ of treatment. The rate of improvement is usually
>90%, but the rate of satisfaction and compensatory sweating varies.
Different surgical techniques have been published during the last
decades [25].
Hyperhidrosis is the primary indication for thoracic
sympathectomy. In a study [6] involving 100 patients with
hyperhidrosis, the post sympathectomy success rate was reported
to be 98%, which is similar to our series (90%). Analyses of results
from our current outcome study suggest that patients experienced
high overall satisfaction (90%) and that they would undergo the same
treatment and procedures again for the other side.
Recent advancements in video optics and specialized
instrumentation have significantly facilitated sympathectomy. The
sympathetic trunk can be easily identified through the parietal pleura
thoracoscopically and surgical division of the trunk can be safely
performed with minimal associated morbidity [26].
Our immediate success rate was 100%, which was similar to
another study. There was some decrease in plantar sweating in our
patients after the procedure; this comes in accordance with the
studies reported by other authors [27].
The rate of satisfaction with the overall results of the operation
in our series was as much as 90% [28]. Other studies reported
improvement of the quality of life in 90 to 98% [29].
If possible, most authors advised the use of single lung ventilation
in thoracoscopy [30]. Although we agree with them, yet this was not
possible in our study because of anesthetic difficulties. We used the
open technique for insertion of the first port because we believe it
is safer than the use of Veress needle. This agrees with some authors
[31], and differs from others [32], who prefer to use the Veress needle.
Another aspect is the positioning of the patient during the
procedure. We positioned the patients in lateral decubitus position
with anti-Trendelenberg tilt. Some authors prefer to position the
patient supine with 20o anti-Trendelenberg tilt of the table. Both
positions allow gravity to assist in revealing the spine and the
sympathetic chain along with the partial lung compression using
carbon dioxide insufflations. However, in bilateral cases operated
upon at the same session, adopting the supine position reported a
substantial shortening of the operative time [33].
We consistently used three ports for all our patients, which is in
agreement with most authors. However, other authors use Bi-portal
and Uniportal trans-axillary techniques with good results and better cosmoses [34].
Our operative technique has evolved with experience. A few
points are worth noting. First, downsizing trocars to 5 mm has
significantly diminished postoperative pain. Typical postoperative
analgesic requirements are oral non-steroidal in the first 24 hr to
48 hr only. Secondly, although the procedure can be performed
through open ports without CO2 insufflation, the addition of CO2
pressure markedly enhances visualization by displacing the lung
and expediting the procedure. Thirdly, any intrathoracic air leak is
immediately apparent at closure and can be easily managed by chest
tube. Removal of underwater seal is usually possible within 24 hr to
48 hr. This method of air leak management has been sufficient in all
patients.
Thoracoscopic excision of T2-T4 sympathetic ganglia was done
in most patients with palmar hyperhidrosis. Some authors practiced
clipping or clamping of the sympathetic chain with reported good
results. Reisfeld et al. [35] claimed better satisfaction in patients who
had clipping versus excision, at 98% versus 95.1%.
It is also reported to be safe and effective with the advantage of
reversal in cases of postoperative compensatory hyperhidrosis [36].
Others prefer cauterization of the affected segment rather than
mechanical resection, stating that this is easier and quicker [37]. In
our series we used either resection or cauterization or combined in
all cases.
Level of sympathectomy has been studied in randomized,
controlled trials [38] and it was observed that T3 level sympathectomy
has the same efficacy as T2 level but has lower incidence of side
effects, such as compensatory sweating. In our series we used T2-T4
resection or cauterization.
Controversy exists regarding the necessary extent to which
the sympathetic ganglion should be resected in patients with
hyperhidrosis [39]. Resection of the T-2 sympathetic ganglion results
in sympathetic denervation of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus;
some authors, however, have advocated more extensive denervation
that includes the T3–4 ganglia and possibly the inferior aspect of the
stellate ganglion in severe cases of axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis
[40]|. The primary difference in patients undergoing thoracoscopic
sympathectomy is the smaller surgical exposures that allow rapid
recovery and return to full activity following a brief hospital stay; this
alone suggests cost effectiveness.
In our series we used subcuticular skin sutures to close the skin.
Others [41] used tissue glue. We find that both policies are comparable
regarding operative time and costs.
Our mean operative time was about 25 (range 20 to 30) minutes
in the unilateral cases and 50 (range 40 to 60) minutes in bilateral
cases, similar to most of the reports in the literature [36] and longer
than some [37] because surgical resection requires longer time than
that needed for ablation. The mean operation times varied from 39–
124 minutes as reported by another author [42].
The mean duration of hospital stay in our study was 48 hours,
similar to most of the reports in the literature [43]. Our outcome
concerning long-term follow up of patients with palmar hyperhidrosis
was 90% complete relief of symptoms, while 10% had recurrence. Out
of the 14 patients with associated axillary hyperhidrosis, 10 (72%) had
complete relief of symptoms, while 4 (28%) had partial relief. Other
authors reported long term success rate more than 90% [27].
Our perioperative complications concerning mortality and
conversion to open thoracotomy was zero, which is similar to some
authors who reported conversion and mortality to be less than 1% [29]
which occur in patients mostly due to associated cardiac condition or
in cases performed bilateral sympathectomy at same session due to
pulmonary insufficiency as a result of lung collapse.
Reported rate of early complications by other authors was 3% to
10%; most common are Horner syndrome, recurrence, hemorrhage,
and pneumothorax [44]. A small insignificant pneumothorax can
be expected in 75% of patients, which gets absorbed spontaneously
usually within 24 hours [45]. The rate of chest drainage for treatment
of pneumothorax was found to be 0% to 8% [45].
Most complications resulting from thoracoscopic sympathectomy
are minor and self limiting. None of our patients developed transient
ptosis and none developed permanent lesions. However; 3% to
10% transient and the 0.28% permanent forms has been reported
by different authors [46]. Horner’s syndrome [20] which results
from injury to the stellate ganglion is fortunately infrequent and
usually transient. The improved visualization obtained by using
thoracoscopy would theoretically reduce the incidence of Horner’s
syndrome by allowing the surgeon to identify the stellate ganglion
and avoid the fibers ascending rostrally from the stellate, which
innervate the ocular pupillary muscles, and dividing the rami caudal
to the stellate ganglion that provides sympathetic innervations to the
upper extremity [47]. Small haemothorax do not require drainage but
should be followed by repeated chest X-ray films [48]. Pneumothorax
indicates a parenchymal or port-site leak. A small pneumothorax can
be observed, but a large one requires placement of a chest tube.
Our reported rate of pneumothorax and haemothorax was
10% similar to the reported ones of 0.5% to 9.1% [43]. We use a
postoperative chest tube in all cases similar to Krasna et al. [49], who
used chest tubes routinely in all patients at the end of the procedure.
Other complications, including persistent air leak requiring chest
drainage and bleeding, were relatively uncommon in accordance with
other series [50].
Intercostal neuralgia results from the injury of the intercostal
nerves that can occur during port placement or when direct pressure
is applied to the nerves during the procedure. Intercostal neuralgia
did not occur in any of the patients in this series, which may be due
to several factors. Soft flexible ports are now used exclusively. Our
current use of a 5-mm-diameter endoscope may further reduce the
incidence of intercostal neuralgia. Hashmonai and colleagues have
cited a lower incidence of intercostal neuralgia as the major difference
between open supraclavicular and endoscopic sympathectomy
procedures; however these differences may only reflect the use of
flexible ports and smaller instruments [51].
Neuralgic pain and/or paresthetic sensation at the thoracic wall
occurred rather less frequently. Postoperative pain measurement was
beyond the scope of this study. The majority of our patients tolerated
postoperative pain conservatively with simple oral non-steroidal
analgesics and no nerve therapy was required. This pain was a
distressing symptom in two patients only (10%). The symptomatology
subsided completely at a maximum of three months.
Brachial plexopathy and chylothorax was not encountered in
any case. Other specific complications such as intercostal neuralgias,
injury to the subclavian vessels or the esophagus have not been
reported in this study.
The emergence of complications varies from one series to
the next. The percentage of complications in our study was 0%,
concerning infection at incision site, residual pneumothorax, and
hypertrophic scar formation. We believe that, once the technique has
been mastered and refined, both the complication rate and morbidity
should be quite low.
Another side effect is excessive dryness of the hands. This
condition refers to excessively dry hands that necessitate the use of
hand cream daily. Although the incidence of excessive dryness ranges
from 9% as reported by some authors (156) to 51% as reported by
others [29] none of our patients suffer from this complication.
Recurrence rate was in two cases (10%) treated by cauterization,
which is similar to 0% to 14% reported by some authors [42]; but
slightly higher than 3% reported by others [52] who use excision
rather than cauterization of sympathetic ganglia. So overall, we think
that resection of the sympathetic chain rather than cauterization helps
to decrease the incidence of recurrence, yet it might be associated
with longer operative time and higher incidence of excessive dryness,
which is usually well tolerated by the patients.
Compensatory hyperhidrosis was evaluated by contacting
patients for a minimum follow-up evaluation of 3 months. The
patients were contacted by telephone, and a specific asking during
another consultation. However, when the degree of sweating in
different body regions was compared according to the preoperative
and postoperative evaluation, only eight cases showed changes in
the degree of sweating. The body regions with significant changes in
sweating were the trunk and feet (increased sweating), the other side
in six patients (reduced sweating).
The delayed complication of compensatory hyperhidrosis
varies among the reported series, ranging from 12% to 45% [48].
Compensatory hyperhidrosis occurred in approximately 40%
of patients in our series, which is consistent with earlier reports.
Thoracoscopic techniques may not change this, but only the outcomes
of further studies will determine this. A remarkably small number
of patients with compensatory symptoms are dissatisfied when they
compared these with their previous symptoms of palmar sweating.
There is a tendency for this symptom to diminish over a period of one
year or more after surgery.
Compensatory sweating is, without a doubt, one of the most
troublesome postoperative side effects for all patients. Perhaps
this is why numerous surgeons have begun to search for the ideal
technique to significantly reduce the percentage of cases developing
compensatory sweating.
Riet et al. [53], in a paper published in 2001, showed that
compensatory sweating was nonexistent after limiting thoracoscopic
sympathectomy to the third ganglion.
Compensatory hyperhidrosis was not of significant importance
to any of our patients, regardless of the number of ganglia removed.
The reported rates of postoperative compensatory hyperhidrosis vary
widely in the literature. Some authors reported rates as low as 1.2% to
6% [36], others reported an intermediate rate of 50% [9], while others
reported rates as high as 85% to 86% [46].
Some authors report a gradual decrease in the grade of intensity
of compensatory sweating during a longer follow-up period [54].
Compensatory sweating is mostly located at the trunk or lower limbs
as in our trial [55]. The rate of compensatory sweating is said to be the
marker of quality of sympathectomy [44], others consider not [53].
The rate of compensatory sweating was found to be 2% to 5% after
resection of T2-4, 0% after resection of T2, and 3.6% after T3/T2-3
resection [56]. Schmidt and colleagues found a significantly lower
rate of compensatory sweating after resection from T3-T5 compared
with resection from T2-T4 [44]. Other authors stated that axillary
hyperhidrosis requires resection as far as T4 [57]. Additional resection
from T4-T5 was said to improve the results for armpit hyperhidrosis
[58]. A limited resection of T4/5 as described by Hsu and colleagues
offers good result in 86%, with compensatory sweating in only
29% [57]. Some authors suggest saving the sympathetic trunk and
selectively blocking the communicating branches and postganglionic
fibers (Wittmoser procedure) [45].
Some authors suggest the resection of the second and third
ganglion to achieve anhidrosis of the hands. The resection of the
fourth ganglion was suspicious to be the reason for compensatory
sweating [59].
Kopelman et al. [61] found a rate a compensatory sweating of
only 5.8% after preservation of the fourth ganglion [60]. Therefore,
some authors advocate a limited resection. There is no evidence
concerning the extent of dissection or resection so far [62].
Interestingly >90% of patients with compensatory sweating were
satisfied with the results of the operation [29]. Other authors pointed
out that the rate of compensatory sweating is not related to the extent
of sympathectomy if it is not beyond the fourth ganglion. The reason
for the compensatory sweating might be ineffective sympathectomy
or prone to surgical failure [63].
By analyzing the influencing factor of overall satisfaction, we could
confirm the impact of the intensity of compensatory sweating next to
the improvement of symptoms, whereas gustatory sweating has no
statistically proven impact. In some studies the rate of improvement
and satisfaction were lower in the axillary group compared with the
palmar group (83% vs. 100% and 67% vs. 93%, respectively) [55].
Our technique involves limited excision of the ganglia at T2-T4.
Methods described for performing sympathectomy include simple
transection of the sympathetic ganglion, ablation with cautery or
laser, or simple clipping of the sympathetic chain with titanium clips.
Clipping of the sympathetic chain, without division or ablation,
allows the theoretical advantage of reversal should the symptoms
of compensatory sweating become unbearable. However; we used
transection in most cases. In our experience, the desire for reversibility
was zero. Irrespective of the chosen method of sympathetic chain
disruption, the success rates as well as the incidence of postoperative
compensatory sweating are quite similar. In the majority of
patients in our study the compensatory sweating was only a minor
inconvenience compared with their preoperative symptoms and our
overall satisfaction rate for the procedure at 3-6 months follow-up
was 90%. When compensatory hyperhidrosis is moderate or severe,
management is difficult and generally unsatisfactory.
Gustatory sweating was reported in 1% to 30% of patients by
some authors. None of our patients suffers this complication. It might
be caused by an aberrant anastomosis between sympathetic trunk and
the vagal nerve [48].
Taking in consideration our small sample size and limited period
of follow up, we recommend to apply this study on a larger scale
including larger number of cases with longer follow up period for
better evaluation of results.
Table 1
Conclusion
Endoscopic sympathectomy is a safe and effective treatment for severe palmar hyperhidrosis. There is a significant incidence of compensatory sweating after sympathectomy and this is sufficiently troublesome in some patients for them to regret surgery. The best level for sympathectomy and the technique used to interrupt the sympathetic chain remain the subject of debate. There is growing evidence that limited sympathectomy (T3 or T4 level) is effective for palmar hyperhidrosis with a lower incidence of compensatory sweating than conventional T2 sympathectomy. The results of sympathectomy for isolated axillary hyperhidrosis are frequently unsatisfactory. We concluded that thoracoscopy has become adopted widely by pediatric surgeons and is currently considered to be the optimum technique for management of hyperhidrosis in pediatric patients. In conclusion, in view of the low morbidity and zero mortality rate of this surgical technique, we recommend it as a method of treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. Thoracic sympathectomy eliminates palmar hyperhidrosis with minimal recurrence (10% in our series). Although the percentage of compensatory sweating is high (in some cases it tends to decrease spontaneously), it produces a high rate of patient satisfaction.
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