Evaluation on the Second Thoracic Sympathectomy or Sympathotomy.

Kim, Jong Ghee; Chung, Hwan Yung

Original Article

Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 1976;5(2): 171-176.

Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

ABSTRACT

Hyperhidrosis is an abnormal condition of excessive sweating beyond that required to cool the body. It apparently from some poorly understood stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, and can pose serious psychological and social handicaps. Of the numerous treatments recommended for this condition, only surgical removal of the sympathetic nerve supply seems effective. This paper concerns the treatment of 21 patients suffering from primary hyperhidrosis facialis et palmaris. 4 of whom were treated by upper thoracic sympathetic ganglionectomy and 17 were treated by ganglionotomy which included the second thoracic ganglion ; the period of posteoprative observation has ranged from 5 months to 3 years. The operation was performed after Cloward and with his devices. Postoperatively in all patients, the face and the extremities were completely dry. Excessive sweating of the feet was slightly improved in 27% of patients. This operation seems to be simpler than other surgical approaches, with a lower morbidity, fewer complications and satisfying results.