Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy aims to reduce excessive sweating in face and hands and flushing of the face due to a disproportionate function of the sympathetic nervous system. The treatment is provided as an endoscopic procedure, where the upper thoracic chain of the sympathetic nerve trunk is transsected or clamped. In Finland this treatment has also been used for social phobia.
The aim of this report was to assess by a systematic review the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for these particular indications.