Transaxillary sympathectomy—is a one-stage bilateral procedure safe?

Abstract

During an 11-year period, 80 transaxillary sympathectomies were performed on 51 patients (hyperhidrosis 24, Raynaud's syndrome 18, Buerger's disease 4, others 5). Bilateral procedures under one anaesthetic were performed in contrast with previous reports which advocated unilateral operations only. The advantages of the transaxillary route over other operative approaches are discussed.