Horner syndrome after sympathectomy in the thoracoscopic era

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.

Anatomical variations of the upper thoracic sympathetic chain: a review

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to provide a thorough overview of the anatomical variations of the upper thoracic sympathetic trunk to improve clinical results of upper thoracic sympathectomy. In addition, this study strives for standardization of future studies regarding the anatomy of the upper thoracic sympathetic chain.

METHODS

The Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using keywords, alone or combined, regarding the anatomy of the thoracic sympathetic chain. The search was limited to studies performed in humans.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were finally included. Cervicothoracic ganglion and nerve of Kuntz were present in 77% and 53%, respectively. The upper thoracic ganglia were predominantly located in their corresponding intercostal space with a relatively downwards shift at the lower thoracic levels. The right sympathetic trunk is prone to have more communicating rami then the left. The lower levels of ganglia tend to have more normal rami. No clear pattern was found concerning the presence of the ascending rami and there was a decrease in the number of descending rami as the chain runs caudally. The intercostal rami remain a rare anatomical variation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents an overview of the anatomy of the upper thoracic sympathetic chain. Its results may guide upper thoracic sympathectomy to improve clinical results. This review also provides a baseline for future studies on anatomical variations of the thoracic sympathetic trunk. More uniform reporting is necessary to compare different anatomical studies.

Transareolar single-port endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy with a flexible endoscope for primary palmar hyperhidrosis: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Background

Transareolar single-port endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) with a flexible endoscope has rarely been reported. This study assessed the performance of this novel minimally invasive technique for primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH).

Methods

From January 2019 to September 2019, 118 males with severe PPH requiring single-port and bilateral ETS were randomly allocated to undergo transareolar ETS using a flexible endoscope (group A, n=58) or transaxillary ETS using a 5 mm thoracoscope (group B, n=60).

Results

Both groups had similar patient characteristics. All procedures were performed successfully, with no mortality or conversion to open surgery. All patients had dry and warm palms immediately after surgery. Compared with group B, group A had a significantly shorter median incision length [5.1 (5.0–5.2) vs. 10.9 (10.8–11.9) mm; P<0.001], and significantly lower median postoperative pain score [1 (1.0–2.0) vs. 3 (3.0–4.0); P<0.001]. There were no differences between the two groups in operative time, palmar temperature increase, and transient postoperative sweating. After complete follow-up, group A had a significantly higher median cosmetic score than group B [4.0 (3.0–4.0) vs. 3.0 (3.0–3.0); P<0.001]. There were no differences between the two groups regarding symptom resolution, compensatory hyperhidrosis, and satisfaction score. No patient reported residual pain or symptom recurrence.

Conclusions

Transareolar single-port ETS with a flexible endoscope is safe, effective, and minimally invasive with a small incision, minimal pain, and excellent cosmetic results. This novel procedure is suitable for routine treatment of PPH in males.

Nationwide population-based incidence and etiologies of pediatric and adult Horner syndrome

PURPOSE

To determine age- and sex-specific incidence and possible etiologies of pediatric and adult Horner syndrome in South Korea.

METHODS

A nationwide, population-based, cohort study using data from the Korean National Health Claims database from 2007 to 2018. All patients with Horner syndrome from the entire Korean population (n = 51,629,512) were included. To find possible causes of Horner syndrome, we searched concurrent codes for systemic diseases, trauma, or surgical procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 139 pediatric patients (59.7% male) and 1331 adults (51.0% male) were newly diagnosed as having Horner syndrome. The cumulative incidence was 2.12 (95% CI 2.08-2.17) per 100,000 pediatric population and 2.95 (2.94-2.96) per 100,000 adults. The peak incidence occurred at 0-4 years of age in the pediatric population, and at 50-54 years in the adult population. A total of 835 (56.8%) patients had underlying conditions or related surgical procedures associated with Horner syndrome. The underlying causes were recognized in 695 (83.2%) patients before the diagnosis of Horner syndrome, in 75 (9.0%) patients at the same time as the Horner syndrome diagnosis, and in 65 (7.8%) patients after the diagnosis of Horner syndrome. There were four cases of Horner syndrome that preceded neuroblastoma diagnosis. The most common tumor related with Horner syndrome was that of the thyroid in the adult population.

CONCLUSIONS

This study determined the estimated incidence and possible causes of pediatric and adult Horner syndrome. As Horner syndrome with unknown etiologies may harbor serious malignancy, extensive evaluations are required, especially in children.

Postoperative Horner Syndrome After Lung Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Horner syndrome arises from a disruption along the oculosympathetic efferent chain and can be caused by a variety of pathological and iatrogenic etiologies. We present 3 cases of postoperative Horner syndrome after bilateral lung transplantation.

METHODS

The electronic health records of 3 patients with iatrogenic Horner syndrome after lung transplantation were examined, including notes from each patient's medical history, operative and postoperative records, and ophthalmology consultation results. A literature review was performed.

RESULTS

All 3 of our patients displayed anisocoria and ptosis, symptoms consistent with Horner syndrome, and the patients from Cases 1 and 2 showed reversal of anisocoria after an application of topical apraclonidine.

CONCLUSIONS

Ophthalmologists should be aware of the risk of Horner syndrome after lung transplantation.

Endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis: A retrospective multicenter study in China

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy and to explore strategies to decrease the incidence of transfer hyperhidrosis (TH).

METHODS

From January 2003 to July 2016, 10,275 patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis underwent endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy in 15 different institutions. We carried out a retrospective analysis of these patients who were grouped into group A, those with nonretained R2 (R2, R2-3, or R2-4 ablation), and group B, those with retained R2 (single R3 or R4 ablation).

RESULTS

All procedures were performed successfully. Both hands of all patients became warm and dry immediately after endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy. Pneumothorax occurred in 146 patients, and 39 patients had intraoperative bleeding. Follow-up was carried out from 6 months to 13 years. A total of 531 patients (5.2%) were lost to follow-up. The effective rate for primary palmar hyperhidrosis was 100%. Palmar hyperhidrosis recurred in 73 patients (0.7%). Transfer hyperhidrosis appeared in 7,678 patients (78.8%). For groups A and B, the incidence of TH was 80.4% and 78.5%, respectively (P > .05), but the incidence of grade III+IV TH in group B (1.6%) was less than that in group A (4.8%; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective therapeutic method for primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Although the overall incidence of TH is high, the incidence of grade III to IV TH can be decreased by reserving R2, lowering the level of thoracic sympathicotomy, and single severing of R3 or R4.

Optimal targeting of sympathetic chain levels for treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis: an updated systematic review

BACKGROUND

Palmar hyperhidrosis involves excessive sweating of the palms, with no known etiology. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a safe and effective treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis, but compensatory hyperhidrosis is a common complication after ETS, leading to reduced patient satisfaction and postoperative quality of life. However, the appropriate level of the sympathetic chain to target with ETS to achieve maximum efficacy and reduce the risk of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) is controversial. In this systemic review, we investigated the appropriate level of sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

PRISMA guidelines were implemented to complete a systematic review. We performed a computerized systematic literature search using PubMed and EMBASE from January 1990 to July 2016. We chose the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and the methodological index for non-randomized studies tool for examining study bias.

RESULTS

A total of 4075 citations were identified, of which 91 were eligible for inclusion, including 68 observational studies and 23 comparative trials. In observational studies, sympathectomies showed similar efficacies for curing PH at different levels. However, T2-free groups (i.e., at levels T3, T4, or T3-T4 combined) could render a lower risk of Horner's syndrome (0 vs. 1.21 ± 0.49%, p = 0.036) and CH (28.75 ± 7.25 vs. 57.46 ± 3.86, p = 0.002) compared with T2 involved. In comparative trials, there were 12 studies describing the comparison between T2-free ETS and T2 involved, and 9 of 12 (75%) showed T2-free ETS could reduce the incidence of CH. Overall, lowering the level and limiting the extent of sympathectomy could reduce the incidence of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Cumulative data from more than 13,000 patients suggest that ETS is a safe, effective, and reproducible procedure with a high degree of patient satisfaction. Currently available evidence suggests that T2-free ETS may reduce the incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis without compromising success rates and safety.

Transareolar Single-Port Needlescopic Thoracic Sympathectomy Under Intravenous Anesthesia Without Intubation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

Transareolar single-port needlescopic thoracic sympathectomy under intravenous anesthesia without intubation has rarely been attempted in managing primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH). The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this minimally invasive technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From May 2012 to May 2015, 168 male patients with severe PPH underwent single-port endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) and were randomly allocated to groups A or B. Patients in group A underwent nonintubated transareolar ETS with a 2-mm needle endoscope, while those in group B underwent intubated transaxillary ETS with a 5-mm thoracoscope.

RESULTS

All procedures were performed successfully. The palms of all patients became dry and warm immediately after surgery. The mean resuscitation time was significantly shorter in nonintubated patients than in intubated patients. Postoperative sore throat occurred in 4 patients in group A and in 32 patients in group B (P < .01). The mean incision length was significantly shorter in group A than in group B. The mean postoperative pain scores were markedly higher in group B than in group A. The mean cost of anesthesia was considerably lower in nonintubated patients than in intubated patients. The mean cosmetic scores were higher in group A than in group B (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Nonintubated transareolar single-port ETS with a needle endoscope is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutic procedure, which allows a smaller incision with less pain and excellent cosmetic results. This novel procedure can be performed in a routine clinical practice for male patients with severe PPH.

Nonintubated Needlescopic Thoracic Sympathectomy for Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Conventional endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is usually performed with 5-mm thoracoscope under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Needlescopic thoracic sympathectomy under total intravenous anesthesia without intubation has rarely been attempted. This randomized controlled trial assesses the feasibility and safety of this minimally invasive therapeutic procedure in managing primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

From July 2012 to July 2014, 221 patients with severe primary palmar hyperhidrosis underwent bilateral ETS and were randomly allocated to group A or group B. Patients in group A (n=108) underwent nonintubated ETS using a needle endoscope, whereas those in group B (n=113) underwent traditional transaxillary single-port ETS using a 5-mm thoracoscope.

RESULTS

ETS was successfully performed in all patients. The palms of all patients became dry and warm immediately after surgery. The mean resuscitation time was significantly shorter in nonintubated patients than in intubated patients (P<0.01). Postoperative sore throat occurred in 37 patients in group B, whereas none of the patients in group A complained about sore throat after surgery (P<0.01). The mean incision length was 5.1±0.1 mm with needle endoscope and 11.0±0.8 mm with traditional thoracoscope (P<0.01). The mean postoperative pain score was 1.1±0.8 in group A and 3.2±0.8 in group B (P<0.01). The mean cost of anesthesia was considerably lower in nonintubated patients than in intubated patients (P<0.01). Follow-up was 100% completed. The mean cosmetic scores were higher in group A than in group B (P<0.01). Residual pain occurred in 2 patients in group A and in 18 patients in group B (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Nonintubated needlescopic thoracic sympathectomy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutic procedure, which has the advantages of a smaller incision with less pain, shorter resuscitation time, and better cosmetic results.

Nonintubated Transareolar Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy with a Flexible Endoscope: Experience of 58 Cases

OBJECTIVE

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has recently become a hot spot in the field of minimally invasive surgery. But, most of the procedures are still in the early stages of development and limited to animal experiments. Transareolar endoscopic surgery could work as a viable intermediate step before thoracic NOTES. Under intravenous anesthesia without endotracheal intubation, transareolar endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) with a flexible endoscope has rarely been attempted. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this novel minimally invasive technique in managing primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH).

METHODS

From June 2012 to July 2014, a total of 58 male patients with severe PPH underwent transareolar ETS by use of a flexible endoscope. Under intravenous anesthesia without endotracheal intubation, a flexible endoscope was introduced through the incision on the edge of the areola into the thoracic cavity. The thoracic sympathetic chain was ablated at the level of the fourth rib.

RESULTS

All procedures were successfully performed with a mean operating time of 33.6 ± 8.3 min. All patients regained consciousness rapidly and none of them complained about sore throat after surgery. There were no operative mortality and conversion to open procedure. The symptoms of all patients disappeared as soon as the sympathetic chain was cut off. Fifty six patients (96.6%) were discharged from the hospital on the first postoperative day. The postoperative complications were minor, and no patients developed Horner's syndrome. At 3 months postoperatively, there was no obvious surgical scar on the chest wall, and none of the patients complained about postoperative pain. Compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) appeared in 19 patients. No recurrent symptoms were observed in our study. One year follow-up revealed an excellent cosmetic result and degree of satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Nonintubated transareolar ETS with a flexible endoscope is a safe, effective and minimally invasive therapeutic procedure, which has the possible advantages of thoracic NOTES and can be performed in routine clinical practice for male PPH patients.

The correlation between the method of sympathetic ablation for palmar hyperhidrosis and the occurrence of compensatory hyperhidrosis: a review

BACKGROUND

Upper dorsal sympathectomy achieves excellent long-term results in the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Compensatory hyperhidrosis (CHH) remains an unexplained sequel of this treatment, attaining in a small percentage of cases disastrous proportions. It has been claimed that lowering the level of sympathectomy (from T2 to T3 and even T4), substituting resection by other means of ablation, and limiting its extend reduce the occurrence of this sequel. This review was designed to evaluate the validity of these claims.

METHODS

A MEDLINE search was performed for the years 1990--2006 and all publications about thoracoscopic upper dorsal sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis were retrieved.

RESULTS

The search identified 42 techniques of sympathetic ablation. However, pertinent data for the present study were reported for only 23 techniques with multiple publications found only for 10. The only statistically valid results from this review point that T2 resection and R2 transection of the chain (over the second rib) ensue in less CHH than does electrocoagulation of T2. Further comparisons were probably prevented due to the enormous disparity in the reported results, indicating lack of standardization in definitions.

CONCLUSIONS

The compiled results published so far in the literature do not support the claims that lowering the level of sympathetic ablation, using a method of ablation other than resection, or restricting the extend of sympathetic ablation for primary palmar hyperhidrosis result in less CHH. In the future, standardization of the methods of retrieving and reporting data are necessary to allow such a comparison of data.

Twenty months of evolution following sympathectomy on patients with palmar hyperhidrosis: sympathectomy at the T3 level is better than at the T2 level

OBJECTIVE

To compare two surgical techniques (denervation levels) for sympathectomy using video-assisted thoracoscopy to treat palmar hyperhidrosis in the long-term.

METHODS

From May 2003 to June 2006, 60 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were prospectively randomized for video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy at the T2 or T3 ganglion level. They were followed for a mean of 20 months and were evaluated regarding their degree of improvement of palmar hyperhidrosis, incidence and severity of compensatory hyperhidrosis and its evolution over time, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine cases presented resolution of the palmar hyperhidrosis. One case of therapeutic failure occurred in the T3 group. Most of the patients presented an improvement in palmar hyperhidrosis, without any difference between the groups. Twenty months later, all patients in both groups presented some degree of compensatory hyperhidrosis but with less severity in the T3 group (p = 0.007). Compensatory hyperhidrosis developed in most patients during the first month after the operation, with incidence and severity that remained stable over time. An improvement in quality of life was seen starting from the first postoperative evaluation but without any difference between the groups. This improvement was maintained until the end of the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Both techniques were effective for treating palmar hyperhidrosis. The most frequent complication was compensatory hyperhidrosis, which presented stable incidence and severity over the study period. Sympathectomy at the T3 level presented compensatory hyperhidrosis with less severity. Nevertheless, the improvement in quality of life was similar between the groups.