Complications of endoscopic sympathectomy

Alan E. P. Cameron

Abstract

Four cases are presented in which complications occurred during or after thoracic endoscopic sympathectomy (TES). In one patient inappropriate TES resulted in disabling hyperhidrosis. In one patient laceration of the subclavian artery required major surgery. In two cases intraoperative cerebral damage occurred. Training in TES is essential.

European Journal of Surgery

See Also:

• British Journal of Surgery

Volume 164 Issue S1, Pages 33 - 35

Published Online: 2 Dec 2003

Catastrophic complications - tension pneumothorax

Catastrophic complications such as delayed recognition of tension
pneumothorax from left sided CO2 insufflation, leading to fatal and
disabling consequences was reported.

Doolabh N, Horswell S, Williams M, Huber L, Syma Prince S, Meyer
DM, and Mack MJ. Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy for Hyperhi-
drosis: Indications and Results. Ann Thorac Surg 2004; 77: 410 – 414.