Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy: the experience of a Spanish cooperative group

Preliminary results from the Spanish cooperative group for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery are presented in this paper. We have reviewed the cases of all patients with this disease treated by the group, especially noting the technique, the early results and complications. Video-assisted thoracoscopy emerges as the treatment of choice, given the ease with which the thoracic sympathetic chain can be resected, its safety, the lack of observed complications, and the good short-term results.