Long-term efficacy of subcutaneous sweat gland suction curettage for axillary hyperhidrosis: a prospective gravimetrically controlled study.

BACKGROUND

Subcutaneous sweat gland suction curettage (SSGSC) is gaining acceptance as a therapy for axillary hyperhidrosis. Despite its acceptance, there remains a lack of prospective data describing the efficacy and long-term outcome of SSGSC.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the sweat rates and patients' satisfaction of 12 months following SGSC in 28 patients with axillary hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

Axillary sweat rates were determined by semiquantitative gravimetry. A questionnaire was used to determine patients' satisfaction.

RESULTS

A 58% reduction in sweat rate under resting conditions and an 85% reduction during aerobic exercise in sweat rates was observed. A subdivision of patients into three groups based on their baseline preoperative sweat rates (<25, 25-50, and >50 mg/min) showed that patients with resting sweat rates over 25 mg/min benefited particularly from this procedure, whereas patients with less than 25 mg/min did not.

CONCLUSION

SSGSC produces a significant reduction in the preoperative sweat rates. A low complication rate and a high degree of patient satisfaction were observed. Long-term follow-up evaluations demonstrate a low number of relapses, making SSGSC a convenient and satisfactory method of treating axillary hyperhidrosis. It should be considered in patients refractory to conventional therapies with baseline sweat rates greater than 25 mg/min. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.