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.