Excision of the upper thoracic sympathetic chain can be performed effectively and safely by a transthoracic approach. The most valuable indication is for severe idiopathic hyperhidrosis of the hands for which it produces a most satisfactory and lasting relief. It is also indicated for severe Raynaud's phenomenon that does not respond to conservative measures but here there is a tendency to progressive relapse following surgery so that only about half the patients show improvement several years later.
经胸入路可有效且安全地施行上胸交感神经链切除术。最有价值的适应证是手部严重特发性多汗症，对此手术能带来最满意且持久的缓解效果。它也适用于对保守治疗无反应的严重雷诺现象，但在此情况下，术后有逐渐复发的倾向，以至于几年后只有约一半的患者症状有所改善。
