The results and complication rates have not necessarily been similar in reports worldwide. This can be explained in part due to the lack of clear-cut definitions for the indications, success, complications, side effects, and short- and long-term follow-up data of the procedures. It is well known that sympathectomy is often complicated by CH; the reported incidence rates vary greatly from 30% to 84% [15]. In our series it has been noted in 62.5% of the patients (26.5% moderate and 36% intense).
Although VATS sympathectomy is a simple and quick procedure, unusual complications such as chylothorax may occur [16]. However, lethal or potentially serious complications have also been reported [8, 17, 18], such as subclavian artery injury, damage to brachial plexus, large hemothorax, cerebral edema, neurologic sequelae, sinus bradycardia, and cardiac arrest.
Ann Thorac Surg 2003;76:886-891