UAB Cardiothoracic Surgery Annual Report 2015-16 UAB Medicine Cardiothoracic Surgery 2015/16 Annual | Page 41

VATS SYMPATHECTOMY
THORACIC SURGERY

The VATS sympathectomy procedure can be used to cure hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by
excessive, unexplained sweating, often in the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, axilla, and face. The
condition can cause social embarrassment and interfere with work or other daily activities. Medications
can provide temporary relief but have side effects. Other procedures such as Botox injections are both
temporary and painful. UAB has performed more than 250 sympathectomies, with a 99% cure rate for
palmar hyperhidrosis.

STEREOTACTIC BODY RADIATION THERAPY (SBRT)
SBRT is a new, less invasive treatment modality for lung disease. High doses of radiation are shaped to conform
to the patient’s tumor, enabling better delivery to the intended target while avoiding healthy tissue. Small tumors
are accurately identified and located with precise coordinates. SBRT therapy is performed collaboratively by
thoracic surgeons and radiation oncologists. UAB performed more than 321 SBRT procedures from 2009
through 2015.

MEDIASTINAL RESECTION

Mediastinal Resections:
2013 – 2015

40.2%
59.8%

Mediastinal procedures are performed to treat
anterior and posterior mediastinal conditions
including neurogenic tumors, mediastinal cysts,
bronchogenic cysts, lipoblastomas, thymomas,
thymic tumors, myasthenia gravis, lymphomas, and
mediastinal germ cell tumors. Between 2009 and
2015, more than 361 mediastinal procedures were
performed at UAB, with a 0.27% mortality rate.
n Resection mediastinal cyst or tumor

n Thymectomy

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