Results of thoracoscopic sympathectomy for the treatment of axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis with respect to compensatory hyperhidrosis and dry hands.

BACKGROUND

We examined the results of thoracoscopic sympathectomy (TS) for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis with respect to operative method, symptom control, patient satisfaction and complications.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patient records with mail and telephone questionnaire follow-up of 55 patients (15 men) with a median age of 26 years (range, 15-52) who underwent TS between February 1994 and December 2001.

RESULTS

There were no differences in complication rates between those having bilateral TS (n = 23) and those having unilateral procedures (n = 20) with a median follow-up of 21 months (range, 2-94). Forty-three patients returned questionnaires (response rate, 78%). Forty patients (93%) were satisfied with the results. Thirty-four patients (79%) noted compensatory hyperhidrosis and 22 (51%) excessively dry hands.

CONCLUSION

Despite high rates of compensatory sweating, the majority of patients are very satisfied with the results. The high rate of excessively dry hands is a previously unreported finding and important to discuss when obtaining consent.