Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy

Sexual effects and long-term outcomes of endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy for plantar hyperhidrosis in men: a cross-sectional study

Background

Plantar hyperhidrosis (PHH) is a disease with high psychosocial impact, and endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy (ELS) has been shown to be the best choice for treatment, but with some concerns such as compensatory sweating (CS) and sexual effects (SE), particularly in men.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of ELS for controlling PHH in men, its side effects, and perceived sexual modifications.

Methods

A cross-sectional study including only male patients operated for PHH with ELS between 2014-2022 at a private practice. During remote interviews, patients were asked about symptoms before and after ELS and about the postoperative effects on PHH. They were also objectively asked about any SE during the postoperative period. Validated quality of life for hyperhidrosis and erectile function questionnaires were also administered.

Results

10 male patients averaging 4.26±2.86 years post-ELS were interviewed. Eight of them (80%) achieved complete response (≥80% of sweat reduction) in the first month after surgery and this response was maintained up to the interview date. Two patients had partial response. In six patients, CS occurred, with 5 reporting it as non-troublesome. Six patients reported some type of SE, but none reported erectile dysfunction. Regarding the functional results, all patients rated ELS from good (10%) to very good (30%) or excellent (60%).

Conclusions

Endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy was effective for treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis in these patients, improving their quality of life and providing lasting PHH control, with some transient sexual dysfunctions that did not impair their sexual life.

Robotic Sympathectomy for Hyperhidrosis

In hyperhidrosis, the body's sweat glands overact. Excessive sweating results from this overactivity, and for many hyperhidrosis patients, managing symptoms can be difficult in day-to-day life. Both surgical and non-surgical types of treatment are available for hyperhidrosis. Surgical treatments include microwave sympathectomy (video-assisted thoracic surgery and robotic). Da Vinci Si and Xi robotic systems are used. This review summarizes the outcomes, complications, advantages, and disadvantages of robotic sympathectomy. We conducted a literature search using PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus. After analyzing nine articles, we found that robotic sympathectomy decreased compensatory hyperhidrosis with similar outcomes to other procedures. Robotic sympathectomy also reduced complications of Horner syndrome and has changed minimally invasive surgery significantly due to the reduction in tremors by a surgeon's hands to three-dimensional magnified views. It can potentially address the limitations of human video-assisted sympathectomy. However, the higher cost of robotic surgery, longer perioperative time due to the setting up of the machine, and higher training requirements are some of the disadvantages. The advantages of robotic sympathectomy are a reduction in compensatory sweating, better dexterity, loss of tremors, better visualization, and better accuracy. Although the overall success rates seem to be similar between robotic and video-assisted approaches, more studies are needed.

Long-term Outcomes of Endoscopic Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy for Primary Focal Palmar Hyperhidrosis: High Patient Satisfaction Rates Despite Significant Compensatory Hyperhidrosis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic thoracoscopic sympathectomy (ETS) is the gold standard therapy for primary focal palmar hyperhidrosis (PFPH), resulting in high patient satisfaction rates. The most common side effect of ETS is compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH). Previous studies followed patients' satisfaction degree of surgery and the incidence of CH during a limited follow-up period of 1 to 3 years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction after ETS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After approval of our institutional review board, we conducted a retrospective review of all consecutive patients who underwent ETS for PFPH at our institution between 1998 and 2019. Electronic medical records were reviewed for short-term outcomes. Long-term outcomes were collected through telephone questionnaires. Primary outcome was the resolution of PFPH. Secondary outcomes were CH and long-term patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

During the study period, 256 patients underwent ETS to treat primary focal palmar hyperhidrosis at our institution between the years 1998-2019. One-hundred and fifty (58.6%) patients agreed to participate in the study and were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 23.8 (17 to 58) years, 56% were females. The mean follow-up time was 11±6.1 (1 to 22) years. Ninety-four percent reported resolution of PFPH; however, CH was reported by 90% of participants. CH decreased mean patient satisfaction score from 4.8±0.5 to 3.8±2 (P=0.009). This effect was more pronounced in patients with CH of the head and neck (P=0.009). Patients' satisfaction decreased over time from a mean of 4.8±0.4 in the first year after surgery to a mean of 3.7±1.4 12 years or more after surgery (P <0.001). Despite this, 79% of patients reported they would recommend ETS to other patients.

CONCLUSIONS

ETS for PFPH is highly effective and results in high patient satisfaction rates even after long-term follow-up. Despite high rates of postoperative CH, nearly 80% of patients would still recommend the procedure to fellow patients, justifying its reputation as the gold standard treatment for PFPH.

Rib-oriented Thoracoscopic Sympathetic Surgery for Hyperhidrosis: Prospective Long-term Results and Quality of Life

BACKGROUND

The optimal thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery for primary palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis (PPAH) is still unclear because of lack of uniform technique and qualitative/quantitative scales for definition of results. The aims of this study were to compare long-term outcomes based on the surgical technique and the level of sympathetic trunk interruption by clipping and to assess postoperative compensatory sweating (CS), patients' satisfaction, and quality of life (QoL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between September 2009 and April 2016, 94 patients who underwent 2-stage bilateral thoracoscopic rib-oriented (R) sympathetic clipping were prospectively followed up through the administration of standardized preoperative and postoperative questionnaires.Thirty-four (36.2%) patients underwent single-port transaxillary access instead of the standard two 5-mm incisions. The level of sympathetic clipping for PPAH was R3+4(top and bottom); in patients who complained associated facial or plantar hyperhidrosis R2-bottom and R5-top were clipped, respectively. Seventy-five patients completed bilateral surgery.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between single-port and biportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in terms of operative times and postoperative results. At a mean follow-up of 72 (SD: 26) months, CS was reported in 42 (56%) patients, severe only in 6 (8%). It was higher in the case of R2-bottom clipping (P=0.03). Thirty-one of 60 (51.6%) patients who had a plantar hyperhidrosis declared an improvement of feet sweating after surgery. Postoperative satisfaction was excellent (86.11% on a 0 to 100 scale) and 95.4% of patients declared an improvement in QoL, which was statistically significant in all evaluated parameters. These results were not related to the level of clipping.

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopic R3 to R4 clipping appears to be a safe and effective treatment for PPAH. Although postoperative CS was common and higher after R2-bottom clipping, this did not seem to affect patients' satisfaction and improvement in QoL.

Electrophysiological evaluation of efficacy of clipping in thoracic sympathectomy: An experimental cadaveric study

Background

This study aims to examine the efficacy of clipping in thoracic sympathectomy based on electrophysiological evaluation and to investigate whether nerve conduction can be formed by collateral nerve extensions as a result of the clipping procedure to different levels of sympathetic nerve.

Methods

Newly sacrificed six sheep hemithoraces were studied between August 2016 and October 2016. Thoracic sympathectomy was performed by clipping at T2, T3, T4, and T5 sympathetic chain levels and their branches. Electrophysiological studies were performed with an electromyography device and the filter range was 1 Hz with 20 μV/D amplification. Signals were processed digitally; bipolar subdermal needle electrodes were used as stimulation and recording electrodes (Ø 0.75 mm); and the ground electrode was placed in the intercostal muscle where the thoracic sympathectomy procedure would be performed.

Results

Electrophysiological evaluations showed that clips placed on the main sympathetic chain branches and sympathetic nerve trunk prevented collateral impulse conduction and stimulated potentials were not recorded. However, sympathetic conduction continued at the same intensity after removal of the clips.

Conclusion

Clipping of different regions of the sympathetic nerve provides electrophysiological blockage of the sympathetic nerve, and conduction continues after removal of the clips. However, the shortand long-term postoperative electrophysiological results after removal of the clips over the sympathetic nerve is still a question mark.

Hyperhidrosis, Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy, and Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Cohort Study Based on the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service Database

Sympathetic overactivity is associated with hyperhidrosis and cardiovascular diseases. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a treatment for hyperhidrosis. We aimed to compare the risk for cardiovascular events between individuals with and without hyperhidrosis and investigate the effects of ETS on cardiovascular outcomes. We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study using data acquired from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Subjects newly diagnosed with hyperhidrosis in 2010 were identified and divided into two groups according to whether or not they underwent ETS. Propensity scores were calculated using a logistic regression model to match hyperhidrosis patients with control subjects. Combined cardiovascular events were defined as stroke and ischemic heart diseases. Subjects were followed up until the first cardiovascular event or 31 December 2017. The risk for cardiovascular events with hyperhidrosis and ETS was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. The risk for stroke was significantly higher in the hyperhidrosis group than in the control group (hazard ratio (HR), 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-1.51); nonetheless, no significant difference in the risk for ischemic heart diseases was observed between the hyperhidrosis group and the control group (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.99-1.31). Hyperhidrosis patients who did not undergo ETS were at significantly higher risk for cardiovascular events than the control group (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13-1.45). However, no significant difference in the risk for cardiovascular events was observed between hyperhidrosis patients who underwent ETS and the control group. Hyperhidrosis increases the risk for cardiovascular events. ETS could reduce this risk and needs to be considered for high-risk patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Management Strategies Of Palmar Hyperhidrosis: Challenges And Solutions

Palmar hyperhidrosis is a potentially disabling condition for which management remains a therapeutic challenge. Given the significant impact on quality of life, various treatment options are available, ranging from topical agents and medical devices to systemic therapies and surgical interventions. Nonsurgical approaches, i.e. topical antiperspirants, botulinum toxin injections, iontophoresis, and systemic agents, are all supported by the current literature. Patients with mild-to-moderate disease can often benefit from topical therapies only. As disease severity progresses, systemic oral medication, such as anticholinergic drugs, usually becomes necessary. Last-line surgical approaches (sympathetic denervation) should be reserved for severe refractory cases. Recently, therapeutic strategies have been evolving with several new agents emerging as promising alternatives in clinical trials. In practice, however, each modality comes with its own benefits and risks. An individual therapeutic ladder is generally recommended, taking into account disease severity, benefit-to-risk profile, treatment cost, patient preference, and clinician expertise. This review will provide an update on current and emerging concepts of management for excessive hand sweating to help clinicians optimize therapeutic decision-making.

The etiology, diagnosis, and management of hyperhidrosis: A comprehensive review: Therapeutic options

Hyperhidrosis (HH) is a chronic disorder of excess sweat production that may have a significant adverse effect on quality of life. A variety of treatment modalities currently exist to manage HH. Initial treatment includes lifestyle and behavioral recommendations. Antiperspirants are regarded as the first-line therapy for primary focal HH and can provide significant benefit. Iontophoresis is the primary remedy for palmar and plantar HH. Botulinum toxin injections are administered at the dermal-subcutaneous junction and serve as a safe and effective treatment option for focal HH. Oral systemic agents are reserved for treatment-resistant cases or for generalized HH. Energy-delivering devices such as lasers, ultrasound technology, microwave thermolysis, and fractional microneedle radiofrequency may also be utilized to reduce focal sweating. Surgery may be considered when more conservative treatments have failed. Local surgical techniques, particularly for axillary HH, include excision, curettage, liposuction, or a combination of these techniques. Sympathectomy is the treatment of last resort when conservative treatments are unsuccessful or intolerable, and after accepting secondary compensatory HH as a potential complication. A review of treatment modalities for HH and a sequenced approach are presented.

Early results of new endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for craniofacial hyperhidrosis

Background

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) has been considered as a definitive treatment for hyperhidrosis. However, despite its well-established success rate, surgical treatment for craniofacial hyperhidrosis (CFH) is rarely performed due to the possibility of fatal complications and compensatory sweating. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of our newly developed method of ETS for CFH, based on early results.

Methods

Between June 2016 and October 2017, a total of 70 patients underwent ETS with our new technique for CFH. All patients were placed under double-lumen intubation anesthesia with CO2 gas installation. We utilized two ports, one for 2-mm endoscope and another for 3-mm instrument. Our technique involved R2 and R4-R7 sympathectomy with R4-R7 truncal ablation.

Results

There were 55 males and 15 females, with a mean age of 48 years (range, 22-75 years). The median operation time was 38 minutes (range, 28-75 minutes). There was no operative mortality and morbidity. During the short follow-up period (average 7 months; range, 1-17 months), symptoms were improved in all patients and compensatory hyperhidrosis was observed 68 patients: mild in 50 patients (71.4%), moderate in 13 patients (18.6%), and severe in 5 patients (7.1%).

Conclusions

In select patients, our technique of ETS appears to be a safe and effective treatment method for treating CFH. However, a study with long-term follow-up is still necessary to confirm our findings.

[Outpatient thoracic surgery: Evolution of the indications, current applications and limits]

The objectives of outpatient surgery are to reduce the risks connected to hospitalization, to improve postoperative recovery and to decrease the health costs. Few studies have been performed in the field of thoracic surgery and there remains great scope for progress in outpatient lung surgery. The purpose of this article is to present a revue of the current situation and the prospects for the development of out patient thoracic surgery.