Outpatient thoracoscopic sympathicotomy for axillary osmidrosis.

OBJECTIVE We evaluate the clinical results of thoracoscopic T3-4 sympathicotomy for axillary osmidrosis. METHODS From July 1995 to June 2001, 262 patients (208 females, 54 males) with axillary osmidrosis have been treated by thoracoscopic T3-4 sympathicotomy. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 10 months (average 42 months). The patients were evaluated by telephone or mail questionnaires. The results were categorized as excellent, good, fair, or poor. RESULTS There were no surgical mortalities and major complications in this series. The surgical outcomes were excellent in 144 (55%) patients, good in 39 (15%) patients, fair in 55 (21%) patients, and poor in 24 (9%) patients. Compensatory sweating developed in 171 (65%) patients. Dry hands developed in 40 (15%) patients. CONCLUSIONS Thoracoscopic T3-4 sympathicotomy is a safe, fast, cosmetic, and effective method in treating axillary osmidrosis.