Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy for Primary Hyperhidrosis: A 3 mm Two-Port Approach

Abstract

Background:

Primary hyperhidrosis is a debilitating condition characterized by excessive focal sweating, most commonly affecting the axillae, palms, and soles, for which surgical intervention provides a durable solution in patients refractory to medical management.

Methods:

We present our outpatient surgical technique for video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (VATS) using a two-port, 3-mm incision approach and evaluate its efficacy and outcomes. A case series of 33 consecutive patients undergoing outpatient VATS sympathectomy between 2016 and 2023 was reviewed, with 9 patients excluded for lack of postoperative follow-up. All procedures were performed with electrocautery at the third and fourth ribs posteriorly (T3 and T4).

Results:

The technique demonstrated consistent efficacy in symptom resolution with short operative times, low postoperative pain, and rapid recovery. Mean operative time was 22.0 ± 3.7 minutes, with same-day discharge achieved in all patients. The average pain score at discharge was 2.0 ± 2.6, and no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications occurred. Symptom severity scores improved across all regions, most notably in the palms (8.8 ± 2.1 to 1.3 ± 2.1, P < .001) and axillae (7.1 ± 2.9 to 2.2 ± 2.3, P < .001), with improvement also observed in plantar sweating (8.6 ± 2.0 to 4.8 ± 3.0, P < .001), while facial sweating showed a modest, nonsignificant change (2.3 ± 2.8 to 1.5 ± 2.2, P = .21). At 2–4 weeks, complication rates, including compensatory hyperhidrosis and pneumothorax, were comparable to conventional methods.

Conclusion:

This minimally invasive two-port VATS sympathectomy with 3-mm incisions appears safe, effective, and patient-centered, supporting its use as a surgical approach for primary hyperhidrosis.