Influence of T3 or T4 sympathicotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis

BackgroundThis retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathicotomy at the T3 or T4 level in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis.MethodsPatients were operated on for palmar hyperhidrosis from April 2004 to December 2007, and classified as the T3 (n = 56) or T4 (n = 63) sympathicotomy group.ResultsThe rate of dryness and compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) was significantly lower in the T4 sympathicotomy group than the T3 group (P < .01). Satisfaction rate, recurrence, and improvement of plantar sweating were of no statistical significance in either group.ConclusionsAlthough both sympathicotomies were effective, safe, and minimally invasive methods for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis, T4 appeared to be a more optimal technique with less CH.