CT-Assisted Sympathicolysis as an Additional Minimally Invasive Therapeutic Option in Primary Focal Plantar Hyperhidrosis

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the benefit of lumbar computed tomography-assisted sympathicolysis (CTSy) in patients with primary focal hyperhidrosis of the feet. A lumbar CTSy was conducted on 35 patients (mean age 36.6 ± 11.9 years) with primary focal hyperhidrosis of the feet, who experienced persistent symptoms after all conservative treatment options had been exhausted. The patients evaluated the severity of their symptoms before the intervention, 2 days after the intervention, and 6 and 12 months after the intervention on the basis of a Dermatology Quality of Life Index(©) (DLQI) and side effects experienced. The interventions performed led to a statistically significant decrease in the preinterventional severity of symptoms 2 days after the intervention, and 6 and 12 months after CTSy (p < 0.05). No major complications occurred. As the most common side effect, 12 of the patients reported compensatory sweating. After conservative measures have been exhausted or as a complement to the existing therapy regimen, CT-assisted sympathicolysis represents a therapeutic option low in side effects that provides a marked benefit to patients with primary, focal hyperhidrosis.