The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Drawbacks of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. BJS 2004; 91: 264-269.

Published: 3rd February 2004

Authors: T. A. Ojimba, A. E. P. Cameron

Background

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) has come into widespread use for palmar hyperhidrosis and other complaints of the upper limb and of the head and neck, but there are concerns about its safety. This review highlights the operative complications and long‐term side‐effects that may occur.

Method

A Medline search was carried out using the terms ‘thoracoscopic sympathectomy’, ‘endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy’ and ‘complications’. References from identified articles were handsearched for further relevant articles. The senior author's experience and personal communications were also taken into account.

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