Variation of the Anthropometric Index for pectus excavatum relative to age, race, and sex

OBJECTIVES: To determine possible variations in the Anthropometric Index for pectus excavatum relative to age, race, and sex in individuals free of thoracic wall deformities. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2012, 166 individuals with morphologically normal thoracic walls consented to have their chests and the perimeter of the lower third of the thorax measured according to the Anthropometric Index for pectus excavatum. The participant characteristics are presented (114 men and 52 women; 118 Caucasians and 48 people of African descent). RESULTS: Measurements of the Anthropometric Index for pectus excavatum were statistically significantly different between men and women (11-40 years old); however, no significant difference was found between Caucasians and people of African descent. For men, the index measurements were not significantly different across all of the age groups. For women, the index measurements were significantly lower for individuals aged 3 to 10 years old than for individuals aged 11 to 20 years old and 21 to 40 years old; however, no such difference was observed between women aged 11 to 20 years old and those aged 21 to 40 years old. CONCLUSION: In the sample, significant differences were observed between women aged 11 to 40 years old and the other age groups; however, there was no difference between Caucasian and people of African descent

Quantitative assessment of the intensity of palmar and plantar sweating in patients with primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis

Objective: To compare individuals with and without hyperhidrosis in terms of the intensity of palmar and plantar sweating. Methods: We selected 50 patients clinically diagnosed with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis and 25 normal individuals as controls. We quantified sweating using a portable noninvasive electronic device that has relative humidity and temperature sensors to measure transepidermal water loss. All of the individuals had a body mass index of 20-25 kg/cm(2). Subjects remained at rest for 20-30 min before the measurements in order to reduce external interference. The measurements were carried out in a climate-controlled environment (21-24 degrees C). Measurements were carried out on the hypothenar region on both hands and on the medial plantar region on both feet. Results: In the palmoplantar hyperhidrosis group, the mean transepidermal water loss on the hands and feet was 133.6 +/- 51.0 g/m(2)/h and 71.8 +/- 40.3 g/m(2)/h, respectively, compared with 37.9 +/- 18.4 g/m(2)/h and 27.6 +/- 14.3 g/m(2)/h, respectively, in the control group. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001 for hands and feet). Conclusions: This method proved to be an accurate and reliable tool to quantify palmar and plantar sweating when performed by a trained and qualified professional

Oxibutinina para tratamento de hiperidrose: análise comparativa entre gêneros

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis treatment in males and females using low doses of oxybutynin. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in 395 women and 170 men followed up in our service with complaint of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. RESULTS: A total of 70% of patients in both groups presented partial or great improvement in the level of hyperhidrosis after treatment. The best results were obtained in the female group, in which 40% classified their improvement as "great". Approximately 70% of the patients in both groups improved their quality of life after medical therapy and 30% presented no change in condition. CONCLUSION: Gender is not a factor that significantly interferes in oxybutynin treatment results. Quality of life indices and clinical improvement level were similar in men and women

The incidence of residual pneumothorax after video-assisted sympathectomy with and without pleural drainage and its effect on postoperative pain

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of residual pneumothorax after video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy, with and without postoperative pleural drainage, and to evaluate the possible influence of this type of pneumothorax on postoperative pain within the first 28 postoperative days. METHODS: All patients presenting symptoms consistent with primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis and treated at the Thoracic Surgery Outpatient Clinic of the State Hospital of Sumaré between July and December of 2006 were included. All were submitted to sympathectomy up to the third ganglion using video-assisted thoracoscopy and were randomized to receive or not receive postoperative pleural drainage for 3 h. Chest X-rays and low-dose computed tomography scans of the chest were performed on the first postoperative day in order to determine the incidence of residual pneumothorax. At different time points up to postoperative day 28, patient pain was assessed using a visual numeric scale and by measuring the quantity of opioid analgesics required. RESULTS: This study comprised 56 patients, 27 submitted to bilateral pleural drainage and 29 not submitted to drainage. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the incidence of post-sympathectomy residual pneumothorax. Residual pneumothorax diagnosed through any of the methods did not influence pain within the first 28 postoperative days. CONCLUSION: Performing closed pleural drainage for 3 h immediately after video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy did not affect lung re-expansion or the incidence of residual pneumothorax. When residual pneumothorax was present, it did not affect pain within the first 28 postoperative days.Avaliar se o pneumotórax residual após simpatectomia torácica videotoracoscópica tem incidência diferente quando utilizada a drenagem pleural pós-operatória ou não e se este pneumotórax residual, quando presente, pode influenciar a dor pós-operatória até o 28º dia. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos todos os pacientes com queixa de hiperidrose palmoplantar primária atendidos no Ambulatório de Cirurgia Torácica do Hospital Estadual Sumaré, de julho a dezembro de 2006. Todos foram submetidos à simpatectomia do terceiro gânglio torácico por videotoracoscopia e aleatorizados para receber ou não drenagem pleural pós-operatória por 3 h. Todos foram avaliados no pós-operatório imediato com radiogramas de tórax e tomografia computadorizada de tórax de baixa emissão de energia para detecção de pneumotórax residual. Foram avaliados quanto à dor pós-operatória em diferentes momentos até o 28º dia de pós-operatório, por meio de escala numérica visual e dosagem requerida de analgésicos opióides. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 56 pacientes neste estudo, 27 com drenagem pleural bilateral e 29 sem drenagem pleural. Não houve diferença estatística entre a incidência de pneumotórax residual após simpatectomia com e sem drenagem pleural. O pneumotórax residual, quando presente e diagnosticado por qualquer um dos métodos, não influenciou a dor pós-operatória até o 28º dia. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que a drenagem pleural tubular fechada, por um período de 3 h, no pós-operatório imediato de simpatectomia torácica videotoracoscópica, foi tão eficiente quanto a não drenagem, em relação à reexpansão pulmonar e à presença de pneumotórax residual. O pneumotórax residual, quando presente, não interferiu na dor pós-operatória até o 28º dia343136142To determine the incidence of residual pneumothorax after video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy, with and without postoperative pleural drainage, and to evaluate the possible influence of this type of pneumothorax on postoperative pain within the first 28 postoperative days. METHODS: All patients presenting symptoms consistent with primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis and treated at the Thoracic Surgery Outpatient Clinic of the State Hospital of Sumaré between July and December of 2006 were included. All were submitted to sympathectomy up to the third ganglion using video-assisted thoracoscopy and were randomized to receive or not receive postoperative pleural drainage for 3 h. Chest X-rays and low-dose computed tomography scans of the chest were performed on the first postoperative day in order to determine the incidence of residual pneumothorax. At different time points up to postoperative day 28, patient pain was assessed using a visual numeric scale and by measuring the quantity of opioid analgesics required. RESULTS: This study comprised 56 patients, 27 submitted to bilateral pleural drainage and 29 not submitted to drainage. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the incidence of post-sympathectomy residual pneumothorax. Residual pneumothorax diagnosed through any of the methods did not influence pain within the first 28 postoperative days. CONCLUSION: Performing closed pleural drainage for 3 h immediately after video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy did not affect lung re-expansion or the incidence of residual pneumothorax. When residual pneumothorax was present, it did not affect pain within the first 28 postoperative day

Preservation of Alpha-3 Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Expression in Sympathetic Ganglia After Brain Death

The goal of this study was to evaluate if the immunohistochemical expression of alpha-3 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit in sympathetic ganglia remains stable after brain death, determining the possible use of sympathetic thoracic ganglia from subjects after brain death as study group. The third left sympathetic ganglion was resected from patients divided in two groups: BD-organ donors after brain death and CON-patients submitted to sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis (control group). Immunohistochemical staining for alpha-3 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit was performed; strong and weak expression areas were quantified in both groups. The BD group showed strong alpha-3 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression in 6.55% of the total area, whereas the CON group showed strong expression in 5.91% (p = 0.78). Weak expression was found in 6.47% of brain-dead subjects and in 7.23% of control subjects (p = 0.31). Brain death did not affect the results of the immunohistochemical analysis of sympathetic ganglia, and its use as study group is feasible

A randomized placebo-controlled trial of oxybutynin for the initial treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis

Introduction: Video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy provides excellent resolution of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis but is associated with compensatory hyperhidrosis. Low doses of oxybutynin, an anticholinergic medication that competitively antagonizes the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, can be used to treat palmar hyperhidrosis with fewer side effects. Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness and patient satisfaction of oral oxybutynin at low doses (5 mg twice daily) compared with placebo for treating palmar hyperhidrosis. Methods: This was prospective, randomized, and controlled study. From December 2010 to February 2011, 50 consecutive patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were treated with oxybutynin or placebo. Data were collected from 50 patients, but 5 (10.0%) were lost to follow-up. During the first week, patients received 2.5 mg of oxybutynin once daily in the evening. From days 8 to 21, they received 2.5 mg twice daily, and from day 22 to the end of week 6, they received 5 mg twice daily. All patients underwent two evaluations, before and after (6 weeks) the oxybutynin treatment, using a clinical questionnaire and a clinical protocol for quality of life. Results: Palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis improved in >70% of the patients, and 47.8% of those presented great improvement. Plantar hyperhidrosis improved in >90% of the patients. Most patients (65.2%) showed improvements in their quality of life. The side effects were minor, with dry mouth being the most frequent (47.8%). Conclusions: Treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis with oxybutynin is a good initial alternative for treatment given that it presents good results and improves quality of life. (J Vasc Surg 2012;55:1696-700.

The Nuss procedure made safer: an effective and simple sternal elevation manoeuvre

The Nuss procedure requires the creation of a substernal tunnel for bar positioning. This is a manoeuvre that can be dangerous, and cardiac perforation has occurred in a few cases. Our purpose was to describe two technical modifications that enable the prevention of these fatal complications. A series of 25 patients with pectus excavatum were treated with a modification of the Nuss procedure that included the entrance in the left haemithorax first, and the use of the retractor to lift the sternum, with the consequent lowering displacement of the heart. These modified techniques have certain advantages: (i) the narrow anterior mediastinum between the sternum and the pericardial sac is expanded by pulling up the sternum; (ii) the thoracoscopic visualization of the tip of the introducer during tunnel creation is improved; (iii) the rubbing of the introducer against the pericardium is minimized; (iv) the exit path of the introducer can be guided by the surgeon's finger and (v) haemostasis and integrity of the pericardial sac can be more easily confirmed. We observed that with these manoeuvres, the risk of pericardial sac and cardiac injury can be markedly reduced

Twenty seven-year experience with sternal cleft repair

Congenital sternal cleft is a rare disease, and primary repair in the neonatal period is its best management. In 1998 we presented three surgical techniques for sternal cleft correction, but since 1999 we have elected one of them as our procedure of choice. Our latest results are now presented. It is a review of 15 patients operated from October 1979 to December 2007. Surgical repair consisted of 3 sliding chondrotomies, 10 reconstructions basec on a `posterior sternal wall`, 1 reconstruction combined to Ravitch operation for pectus excavatum and 1 associated with total repair of Cantrell`s pentalogy. Data concerning epidemiological features, surgical reconstruction, aesthetic results, postoperative major complications, mortality and hospital stay, were collected from hospital charts. Follow-up ranged from 4 months to 27 years. All patients submitted to surgical, correction had a good aesthetic and functional result. Neither postoperative mortality nor major complication was observed. Two patients had subcutaneous fluid collection that prolonged the drainage duration. The mean hospital stay was 6 days. In conclusion, reconstructing sterna. cleft with a `posterior periosteal flap from sternal bars and chondral graft` is an effective option with good aesthetic and long-term functional results. (C) 2008 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Objective evaluation of plantar hyperhidrosis after sympathectomy

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to prospectively, randomly, blindly, and objectively investigate how surgery affects plantar sudoresis in patients with palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis over a one-year period using a sudorometer (VapoMeter). METHODS: From February 2007 to May 2009, 40 consecutive patients with combined palmar hyperhidrosis and plantar hyperhidrosis underwent video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy at the T3 or T4 ganglion level (15 women and 25 men, with a mean age of 25 years). RESULTS: Immediately after the operation and during the one-year follow-up, all of the patients were free from palmar hyperhidrosis episodes. Compensatory hyperhidrosis of varying degrees was observed in 35 (87.5%) patients after one year. Only two (2.5%) patients suffered from severe compensatory hyperhidrosis. There was a large initial improvement in plantar hyperhidrosis in 46.25% of the cases, followed by a progressive regression of that improvement, such that only 30% continued to show this improvement after one year. The proportion of patients whose condition worsened increased progressively (from 21.25% to 47.50%), and the proportion of stable patients decreased (32.5% to 22.50%). This was not related to resection level; however, a lower intensity of plantar hyperhidrosis prior to sympathectomy correlated with worse evolution. CONCLUSION: Patients with palmar hyperhidrosis and plantar hyperhidrosis who underwent video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy to treat their palmar hyperhidrosis exhibited good initial improvement in plantar hyperhidrosis, which then decreased to lesser degrees of improvement over a one-year period following the surgery. For this reason, video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy should not be performed when only plantar hyperhidrosis is present