[Thoracoscopic sympathectomy in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis and facial blushing].

BACKGROUND

Severe palmar hyperhidrosis and facial blushing are conditions connected with considerable psychosocial burden. Conservative treatment is often of limited value. Several reports have demonstrated high success rates in thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Treatment results from Norwegian centres have not previously been published.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The long term effects of thoracoscopic sympathectomy performed between 1998 and 2002 at Aker University Hospital were evaluated by questionnaire, using VAS scores (visual analogue scales) obtained from 72 out of 76 operated patients.

RESULTS

In palmar hyperhidrosis, a reduction in VAS score above 3 was reported in 27 of 28 patients (from mean 9.5 +/- 0.2 to 0.8 + 0.4). In facial blushing, 39 of 44 patients reported a reduction in VAS score above 3 (from mean 8.9 +/- 0.3 to 2.5 +/- 0.4). The overall satisfaction rate was 90 %. A majority of patients (86 %) experienced variable but lasting compensatory general hyperhidrosis. However, only a few patients found this condition disabling to the extent that it caused regret (3 patients) or dissatisfaction (4 patients).

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy markedly reduces palmar hyperhidrosis and facial blushing, but the indication should be strong and the information thorough because of compensatory hyperhidrosis.