Evaluation of the impact of transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy on patients with palmar hyperhydrosis.

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the impact of transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy (TES) on the quality of life of patients with palmar hyperhydrosis.

DESIGN

A retrospective questionnaire based study.

METHODS

Patients undergoing TES at our institution between 1997 and 2002 received a SF-36 quality of life postal questionnaire. The pre- and post-operative symptoms were assessed. Statistical analysis was by means of the Student's t test.

RESULTS

Ninety-four TES were carried out in 62 patients. Forty-one cases were female. The age range was 17-64 years. The mean follow-up period was 38.46 months. Mean hospital stay was 3 days. Compensatory hyperhydrosis was reported in 29 cases and only considered severe in four cases (9.7%). Forty-one patients replied to the questionnaire (66%). The overall quality of life (as assessed by the SF-36 form) was unanimously improved (p<0.0009) and demonstrated significant improvements in social functioning (p<0.0002), physical role limitations (p<0.0007), emotional well-being (p<0.0007) and overall energy levels (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

TES resulted in significant improvements inpatient's overall quality of life, social and emotional functioning. The procedure is associated with minimal morbidity and only a short inpatient stay is required. Patients should be cautioned on the possibility of compensatory hyperhydrosis which may occur in a small number of cases.