Total number of minimally invasive sympathectomies performed between 2008 and 2016: 86
Areas of hyperhidrosis involvement that have been treated:
- Hands
- Armpit
- Face
Perioperative Outcomes
| Variable | Number of Patients |
|---|---|
| Pneumothorax | 0 |
| Bleeding | 0 |
| Chest tube insertion | 1* |
*This patient had a fibrothorax (scar tissue) from prior infection and, because of that, had to have a chest tube placed after the surgery.
One patient had stayed overnight because of the chest tube. All other patients went home the day of surgery.
Outcomes
- All patients, except for one, were either satisfied or extremely satisfied with the procedure and would recommend the procedure to a friend or family member (96.6%).
- Only 1 patient continued to have residual excessive sweating symptoms, even though the symptoms have somewhat improved.
Perioperative Complications
| Variable | Number of Patients |
|---|---|
| Horner’s Syndrome | 0 |
| Worsening dandruff | 1 |
| Decrease exercise tolerance | 0 |
| Hands are too dry | 1 |
| Gustatory sweating | 0 |
| Bothersome compensatory sweating*§ | 2 |
*One patient developed compensatory sweating in the thighs and another in the back.
§Despite bothersome compensatory sweating, these 2 patients would still recommend the procedure to a friend or family member.