This prospective, single-center observational study evaluates the clinical utility of intraoperative sympathetic nerve width measurement during thoracoscopic sympathectomy (ETS) for palmar/craniofacial hyperhidrosis (PH/CH) and facial blushing (FF). The study aims to correlate nerve width-measured using a novel Rapid Intraoperative Sympathetic Nerve Width System (RMSNW-OS) (±0.2mm precision)-with surgical outcomes, compensatory sweating rates, patient satisfaction, and 12-month efficacy. Approximately 1,000 patients (aged 18-55) will undergo standardized ETS at Shanghai First People's Hospital (2025-2029). Objective metrics include thermographic (palmar/forehead temperature), hemodynamic (HR/BP), biochemical (catecholamines), and Doppler flow measurements. Patient-reported outcomes use diagnosis-specific binary questionnaires and the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS). Statistical analysis will determine if nerve width predicts treatment response. Innovations include RMSNW-OS standardization and a multidimensional assessment framework to optimize ETS precision and patient quality of life.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
1,000
Shanghai General Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Shanghai, China
Intraoperative Sympathetic Nerve Width
Quantitative measurement (mm) of thoracic sympathetic nerve trunks (T2 for craniofacial hyperhidrosis/facial blushing; T4 for facial blushing), using the Rapid Measurement System (RMSNW-OS). Measurement based on thoracoscopic image pixel ratios. Method: Calibrated electrosurgical hook with 5 mm reference; width calculated from still-frame images. Precision: ±0.2 mm.
Time frame: Intraoperative (Day 0)
Predictive Value of Nerve Width for Surgical Success
Assess whether intraoperative sympathetic nerve width (mm) predicts surgical success, defined as ≥50% symptom reduction based on the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS). Analysis Method: ROC curve analysis.
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 1 year
Predictive Value of Nerve Width for Compensatory Hyperhidrosis
Assess whether intraoperative sympathetic nerve width (mm) predicts the incidence of clinically significant compensatory hyperhidrosis requiring intervention. Analysis Method: ROC curve analysis.
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 1 year
Symptom Recurrence Rate
Proportion of patients reporting recurrence of primary symptoms (palmar hyperhidrosis, craniofacial hyperhidrosis, or facial blushing) at follow-up.
Time frame: 6/12 months post-op vs. 1-month baseline.
Sustained Quality of Life Improvement
Improvement in patient-reported quality of life scores, measured by validated questionnaires, compared to 1-month postoperative baseline.
Time frame: 6/12 months post-op vs. 1-month baseline.
Palmar/Forehead Temperature Change
∆ Temperature (°C) pre- vs. post-surgery measured by standardized infrared thermometer. Reflects sympathetic denervation effect on peripheral circulation.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-op), 1/3/6/12 months post-op.
Patient Satisfaction
Proportion of patients reporting improvement in social confidence, daily functioning, and symptom burden using binary (yes/no) responses from diagnosis-specific questionnaires. Unit of Measure: Percentage of patients responding "Yes"
Time frame: 1/3/6/12 months post-op.
Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) Score
Change in HDSS score (scale 1-4) to assess severity of hyperhidrosis and its impact on daily life. Unit of Measure: Units on a 4-point scale.
Time frame: 1/3/6/12 months post-op.
Compensatory Hyperhidrosis Rate
Incidence (%) of clinically significant compensatory sweating (patient-reported or physician-confirmed).
Time frame: 1/3/6/12 months post-op.
Operative Time
Duration of surgery measured from skin incision to final skin closure, recorded in minutes.
Time frame: Intraoperative (Day 0).
Intraoperative Blood Loss
Volume of blood lost during surgery, measured using suction canister collection and gauze weight difference.
Time frame: Intraoperative (Day 0).
Resting Heart Rate
Measurement of resting heart rate (beats per minute) at baseline and postoperatively to assess autonomic function changes. Unit of Measure: Beats per minute (bpm).
Time frame: Baseline (pre-op), 1/3/6/12 months post-op.
Resting Blood Pressure
Measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) at rest to evaluate hemodynamic changes. Unit of Measure: Millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Time frame: Baseline (pre-op), 1/3/6/12 months post-op.
Plasma Catecholamine Levels
Quantification of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels in plasma.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-op), 1/3/6/12 months post-op.
Blood Flow Velocity
Doppler ultrasound-derived flow velocity (cm/s) in hands/forehead: Vm (Mean Velocity) = \[Peak Systolic (Vs) + 2×End-Diastolic (Vd)\] / 3.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-op), 1/3/6/12 months post-op.
Serum Electrolyte Levels
Measurement of sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), and chloride (Cl-) levels in serum to monitor electrolyte balance.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-op), 1/3/6/12 months post-op.
Liver Function Tests
Measurement of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) to assess potential organ toxicity.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-op), 1/3/6/12 months post-op.
Kidney Function Tests
Measurement of kidney function markers (creatinine, BUN) to assess potential organ toxicity.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-op), 1/3/6/12 months post-op.
White Blood Cell (WBC) Count
Measurement of white blood cell count to monitor for infection, inflammation.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-op), 1/3/6/12 months post-op.
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count
Measurement of red blood cell count to assess anemia risk.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-op), 1/3/6/12 months post-op.
Platelet Count
Measurement of platelet count to evaluate clotting potential and risk of thrombocytopenia.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-op), 1/3/6/12 months post-op.