We detected 8 patients (53%) complaining
about a decent to moderate recurrence of hand sweating and compensatory and gustatory sweating were observed in 9 (60%) and 5 (33%)
patients, respectively. Reported side effects related to surgery were paresthesias of the upper limb and the thoracic wall in 8 patients
(53%) and recurrent pain in the axillary region in one. At an average 12 years after surgery, 47% of patients were satisfied with the
treatment results, 40% were disappointed. Six patients (40%) affirmed they would ask for the operation if it were to be redone. Our
findings indicate that results of ETS deteriorate and compensatory sweating does not improve with time. It is mandatory to inform patients
of the potential long-term adverse effects before surgery.
2009 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.
Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery 8 (2009) 54–57