Intermediate-term results of endoscopic transaxillary T2 sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND

This report examines the intermediate-term results of endoscopic transaxillary T2 sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

A retrospective review was carried out of 91 consecutive patients, 38 men and 53 women, with a mean age of 23 years. Attention was focused on patient satisfaction, late complications and morbidity.

RESULTS

After operation, no patient died or developed Horner's syndrome. Nine of 21 patients with craniofacial, five of 16 with axillary and 17 of 73 with plantar hyperhidrosis showed simultaneous improvement. Fifteen patients (16 per cent) developed recurrent sweating, but none required reoperation. The overall mean satisfaction rate was 78 per cent with a median 80 per cent improvement using a visual linear analogue scale from 0 (poor) to 100 per cent (excellent). Twelve patients (13 per cent) were dissatisfied with the operative results, mainly owing to compensatory hyperhidrosis, which occurred in 88 patients (97 per cent) within the first year.

CONCLUSION

The results of endoscopic sympathectomy deteriorate progressively from the immediate outcome.