Angiology. 1992 Apr;43(4):336-41. Related Articles, Links

Telford's operation for primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

Gyftokostas D, Koutsoumbelis C, Daskalakis E, Bouhoutsos J.
Unit of Peripheral Vascular Surgery, 401 Army Hospital, Athens, Greece.

By measuring finger temperature, this 1992 study demonstrates that ETS can make the skin on the upper body hotter than the skin on the lower body by 12 degrees F.

Bilateral upper dorsal sympathectomy via the supraclavicular approach was performed in 42 patients for palmar hyperhidrosis. In 16 patients (32 extremities) the effect of sympathectomy on digital circulation was evaluated objectively, in comparison with that of 15 control subjects. Mean values of finger temperature and of digital systolic pressure increased by 6.9 degrees C [12.42 degrees F] and 36 mmHg respectively after operation, whereas an increase of digital blood flow and a decrease of the time of the clearance of 99mTc by approximately 60% were recorded. Differences between preoperative and postoperative values and those of controls were statistically significant. Clinical results of treatment remain satisfactory after a mean follow-up period of thirty-two months with no case of recurrence. Permanent decrease of plantar hyperhidrosis was recorded by 14 patients. The advantages of Telford's operation over other methods of upper extremity sympathetic denervation are discussed.