Effect of T4 endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy on life quality in patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis

Abstract

To assess the quality of life in patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis before and after T4 endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy (ETS) using the modified rating scales system for life quality. Between June, 2009 and May, 2014, forty-eight patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis received ETS at the thoracic level T4. Patients completed self assessment of life quality by the modified rating scales system before and after the surgery. Follow-up data including effectiveness of operation, patient satisfaction and life quality were obtained at 1 and 6 months after the surgery. ETS at the thoracic level T4 was performed successfully for all cases. No mortality or serious complications were observed. No one needed thoracotomy in the period of surgery. Mild or moderate compensatory sweating was appeared in 38 cases (79.1%) or 1 case (2.1%), respectively. None severe case was observed after T4 ETS. About 97.9% of the patients were very satisfied with the result of the operation and no patient regretted the surgical procedure. All patients answered the quality of life (QoL) questionnaire and showed the improvement of QoL after the procedure (F=763.67, P<0.001). Primary palmar hyperhidrosis led to the reduction of life quality. ETS at T4 level could reduce sweating production and improve QoL in patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis.