Compensatory Sweating Research Articles

Efficacy of thoracic sympathectomy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis and management of compensatory sweating

Thoracic sympathectomy is a widely recognized surgical intervention for treating hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating that significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Despite its efficacy, this procedure often leads to compensatory sweating (CS), which remains a substantial challenge in patient management. This letter reviews recent studies addressing both the benefits of thoracic sympathectomy and the ongoing efforts to manage CS. Advances such as laser speckle flowgraphy for identifying and targeting sympathetic nerves, comparisons between robotic and video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy, and investigations into different levels of sympathetic chain resection provide new insights into optimizing treatment outcomes. While these developments offer promising strategies for reducing CS and enhancing patient satisfaction, further research is required to establish their long-term effectiveness.

Does Sequential Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy Affect the Development of Postoperative Compensatory Sweating in Children?

BackgroundThe development of compensatory sweating (CS) following thoracoscopic sympathectomy (TS) for palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) is the major drawback of this procedure. Several techniques were proposed to minimize the occurrence of CS such as changing the level of sympathectomy or conducting it sequentially on both sides with an interval between the two procedures. The aim of this study is to compare sequential T3-T4 TS versus bilateral same-setting T3-T4 TS regarding the development and severity of postoperative compensatory sweating. MethodsThis comparative study included 38 patients (20 females and 18 males) with primary palmar hyperhidrosis between March 2020 and March 2023. Patient's ages ranged between 5 and 18 years, and they were divided into two groups: group I included 23 patients treated with sequential T3-T4 TS; and group II included 15 patients who underwent bilateral same-setting T3-T4 TS. Both groups were compared with regard to patient characteristics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes. ResultsThere were no significant sex or age distribution differences among both groups. The mean cumulative operative time was significantly longer in group I (38 versus 27 min). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of compensatory sweating between groups I and II (6/23 [26%] vs 5/15 [33%], respectively; p = 0.77). No over-dryness or recurrence occurred in any patient in either group. ConclusionSequential TS does not seem to have superior results when compared to bilateral same-setting TS regarding the development of compensatory sweating. Conducting bilateral same-setting TS is both safe and feasible with shorter operative time, hospital stay, and overall cost. Level of evidenceIV.

Sympathectomy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis: Is it an effective solution?

Background: Primary hyperhidrosis affects 1-3% of the general population and occurs equally in both genders. It significantly affects the quality of life. In recent years, endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), especially with a single-port approach, has gained popularity in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis. This study aims to assess the efficacy and clinical outcomes of ETS surgery for primary hyperhidrosis. Materials and Methods: The data of 30 patients who underwent bilateral ETS due to primary hyperhidrosis were examined retrospectively. 25 patients treated with a single port approach were included in the study, and 5 patients treated with a double port approach were excluded from the study. Preoperative evaluations and routine tests were performed. Patients were evaluated in terms of age, gender, complications, satisfaction, compensatory sweating, and relapse. Patients' satisfaction levels were determined by telephone interviews. Results: The mean patient age was 24.16 ± 6.01 years; 56% were men and 44% were women. As complications, compensatory hyperhidrosis was observed in 12% of the patients, and mild pneumothorax was observed in 12%. No operative mortality occurred. No recurrence was observed during the long-term follow-up. In telephone surveys, 88% of patients reported satisfaction. Three patients with compensatory sweating were partially satisfied. No patient reported regret. Conclusions: We believe that ETS is an effective option in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis, with low morbidity and high patient satisfaction rates, despite the risk of compensatory sweating.

Fifteen Years' Experience of Thoracoscopic Sympathetic Chain Interruption for Palmar Hyperhidrosis in Children and Adolescents: Evaluation of Different Techniques.

Background: Thoracoscopic sympathetic chain interruption is a definitive and effective therapy for severe primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH). Well-known methods include sympathectomy, sympathotomy, and clipping, but the occurrence of compensatory sweating offsets these methods. This study aims to report our experience with thoracoscopic sympathetic chain interruption in a large group of patients of age <18 years with PPH, focusing on surgical outcomes, complication rates, and patient satisfaction. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy, sympathotomy, or clipping for severe PPH between April 2008 and March 2023 at the Pediatric Surgery Department, Al-Azhar University Hospitals. Demographic and clinical data, operative steps, postoperative outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction were reviewed from the patients' medical records. Results: During the 15-year study period, 420 children with PPH underwent bilateral thoracoscopic sympathetic chain interruption by either sympathectomy, sympathotomy, or clipping, with a sex ratio of 60% being females. The mean ages were 12 ± 3.48, 13 ± 2.45, and 13 ± 2.45 years, respectively. Sympathectomy was performed in 190 patients (45.2%), sympathotomy in 170 patients (40.5%), and clipping in 60 patients (14.3%). All patients had completed follow-up, with mean periods of ∼43 ± 5 months, 45 ± 3 months, and 42 ± 6 months, respectively. Complete palmar dryness was achieved in 405 patients (overall 96.4%) (97.8% after sympathectomy, 97.05% after sympathotomy, and 90% after clipping), whereas 2.1%, 2.9%, and 10% of patients experienced symptom recurrence, respectively, denoting significant statistical differences. Overall, 94 patients (22.4%) experienced compensatory sweating. Eventually, 409 patients (97.4%) were satisfied with the outcome, whereas 11 patients (2.6%) reported dissatisfaction, yet no significant differences found. Conclusion: The presented three modalities of thoracoscopic sympathetic chain interruption for PPH in children and adolescents are safe and effective, with overall very high postoperative satisfaction, despite a relatively high rate of compensatory sweating in sympathectomy group. Other major complications in this age population were scanty.

Evaluation of the quality of life 10 years after bilateral thoracoscopic sympathicotomy in subjects with primary focal hyperhidrosis

Introduction/Objective. Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) is an idiopathic condition where excessive sweating affects one or more body regions, including axillae, palms, soles, and/or face. Most studies on quality-of-life focus on the period up to one year after bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy (BTS). This study aims to determine the 10-year trend in quality of life among patients from the Republic of Serbia with palmar-plantar-axillary primary focal hyperhidrosis, treated with BTS at the R3-R4 level. A secondary goal is to ascertain the existence of compensatory sweating. Methods. All patients underwent a standardized BTS in a single act, through the cutting of ganglia with ultrasonic scissors at the R3-R4 level. For data collection, patients completed the "Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (HQLQ)," and the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), preoperatively, postoperatively within 30 days, and 10 years after BTS. Results. The total sample consisted of 103 subjects who completed all three questionnaires. Considering the improvement in Quality of Life (QoL) from the group excellent, good, and average, the postoperative improvement was immediately postoperative in 88.4% of patients, while in the ten-year period, it was 87.4%. No statistically significant differences were found between the assessment of life satisfaction after 30 days and 10 years after BTS. Out of the total number of operated patients, two patients (1.94%) characterized their compensatory sweating as very pronounced. Conclusion. After 10 years from BTS, the QoL remains at an exceptionally high level, with an annual trend of decline of about 0.1%.

Sexual effects and long-term outcomes of endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy for plantar hyperhidrosis in men: a cross-sectional study.

Plantar hyperhidrosis (PHH) is a disease with high psychosocial impact, and endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy (ELS) has been shown to be the best choice for treatment, but with some concerns such as compensatory sweating (CS) and sexual effects (SE), particularly in men. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of ELS for controlling PHH in men, its side effects, and perceived sexual modifications. A cross-sectional study including only male patients operated for PHH with ELS between 2014-2022 at a private practice. During remote interviews, patients were asked about symptoms before and after ELS and about the postoperative effects on PHH. They were also objectively asked about any SE during the postoperative period. Validated quality of life for hyperhidrosis and erectile function questionnaires were also administered. 10 male patients averaging 4.26±2.86 years post-ELS were interviewed. Eight of them (80%) achieved complete response (≥80% of sweat reduction) in the first month after surgery and this response was maintained up to the interview date. Two patients had partial response. In six patients, CS occurred, with 5 reporting it as non-troublesome. Six patients reported some type of SE, but none reported erectile dysfunction. Regarding the functional results, all patients rated ELS from good (10%) to very good (30%) or excellent (60%). Endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy was effective for treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis in these patients, improving their quality of life and providing lasting PHH control, with some transient sexual dysfunctions that did not impair their sexual life.

Sympathicotomy for isolated facial blushing: long-term follow-up of a randomized trial.

Thoracoscopic sympathicotomy may be an effective treatment for disabling facial blushing in selected patients. Short- and mid-term results are good but very long-term results are scarce in the medical literature and there is no knowledge which extent of sympathicotomy is better long-term for isolated facial blushing. We previously randomized 100 patients between a rib-oriented R2 or R2-R3 sympathicotomy for isolated facial blushing, and reported local effects, side effects and quality of life after 12 months. In the present study, we sent identical questionnaires to all patients after a median of 16 years (interquartile range 15-17 years). The response rate was 66%. Overall, 82% reported excellent or satisfactory results on facial blushing, with significant better local effect after R2 sympathicotomy compared with R2-R3 sympathicotomy. Patients who underwent R2 sympathicotomy were also significantly more satisfied with the operation. We found no significant difference between R2 and R2-R3 sympathicotomy in quality of life or rates of compensatory sweating (77%) and recurrence of blushing (41%) which was milder than preoperatively in most patients. R2 sympathicotomy should be the preferred approach for isolated facial blushing because of better local effect and higher satisfaction rates. Although this was a very long-term follow-up of the only randomized trial of its kind the response rate was limited leaving a risk of undetected bias.

Robotic sympathetic trunk reconstruction for compensatory sweating after thoracic sympathectomy.

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy may be complicated by the onset of disabling compensatory sweating (CS). The objective of this case series is to report the 2-year outcomes after robotic sympathetic trunk reconstruction (STR) for the reversal of CS in patients who had undergone endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. We prospectively followed-up a total of 23 patients who had undergone robotic STR because of intolerable CS between October 2017 and January 2021. A visual analog scale ranging from 0 to 10 (with 10 indicating the highest degree) was used to assess the severity of CS at different anatomical locations, thermoregulatory alterations, and gustatory hyperhidrosis. Measurements were performed before STR and at 6-month and 2-year follow-up. The mean age of the study participants was 43.3±7.8years, and 20 (87%) were men. The reversal procedure was performed after a mean of 19.6±7.8years from endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. In all patients, nerve defects were successfully bridged using sural nerves (mean length, 9.7 cm on the right and 9.8 cm on the left). No cases of Horner syndrome were noted. At 6 postoperative months, the severity of CS decreased significantly at all body surface areas. The observed improvements were effectively maintained at 24 post-STR months. There was no evidence of either recurrent hyperhidrosis at the primary site or transition of CS to other anatomical locations. Similar improvements were evident for thermoregulatory alterations and gustatory hyperhidrosis. Robotic STR is safe and effective in reversing intolerable CS after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

Compensatory Hyperhidrosis After Non-Surgical Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis: Two-Year Single-Centered Prospective Study From Jordan.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PH) can be managed by a wide range of medical and surgical modalities. Compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) is a well-documented complication of surgical treatment. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) in PH patients after nonsurgical treatment with botulinum toxin A (BTX- A) or iontophoresis. We carried out a unicentric prospective study on PH patients from King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) in Jordan. PH patients were evaluated after 1-month of nonsurgical treatment. Patients who developed CH were re-assessed after 3-6 months through a telephone-based interview. A total of 86 patients with PH who underwent nonsurgical treatment with iontophoresis or botulinum toxin were recruited. Twenty-four (27.9%) patients developed subjective CH. It was mild in (75%), moderate in (21%), and severe in (4%) of patients affected, it was self-limiting within a few months in all patients. Patients with CH did not differ significantly in demographic or clinical variables from patients who did not develop CH except at the site of PH (p value = .05). The findings of this study indicate that more than quarter (27.9%) of patients with PH may develop minor compensatory sweating, however this didn't affect satisfaction with treatment.

Development of a novel nomogram to predict the risk of severe compensatory sweating following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a permanent and effective treatment for primary hyperhidrosis and facial blushing; however, severe compensatory sweating (SCS) remains a devastating complication. We aimed to (i) construct a nomogram to predict the risk of SCS, and (ii) investigate factors associated with the level of satisfaction. From Jan 2014 to Mar 2020, 347 patients underwent ETS by a single surgeon. These patients were asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding primary symptom resolution, level of satisfaction, and development of compensatory sweating. Multivariable analysis was conducted via logistic regression and ordinal regression to predict SCS and satisfaction level respectively. Nomogram was developed based on significant predictors. In total, 298 (85.9%) patients responded to the questionnaire with a mean follow up of 4.9 ± 1.8 years. Significant factors associated with SCS in the nomogram included older age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.09, P = 0.001), primary indication other than palmar hyperhidrosis (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.03-5.12, P = 0.04), and current smoking (OR 5.91, 95% CI 2.46-14.20, P < 0.001). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.713. Multivariable analysis revealed that longer follow up (β = -0.201 ± 0.078, P = 0.01), gustatory hyperhidrosis (β = -0.781 ± 0.267, P = 0.003), primary indication other than palmar hyperhidrosis (β = -1.524 ± 0.292, P < 0.001), and SCS (β = -3.061 ± 0.404, P < 0.001) were independently associated with a lower degree of patient satisfaction. The novel nomogram can provide a personalized numerical risk estimate to assist both the clinician and patient weigh the pros and cons as part of the decision-making process, mitigating the chance of patient dissatisfaction.

Predictors of Compensatory Sweating Following Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy in Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis

Compensatory sweating (CS) is a frequent health concern following treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis using video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (VATS) and can reduce level of patient satisfaction. A retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients who underwent VATS for primary palmar hyperhidrosis (HH) over a 5-year period was conducted. Various demographic, clinical, and surgical variables were tested for their correlation to postoperative CS through univariate analyses. Variables with significant correlation to outcome were included in a multivariable logistic regression for determining significant predictors. The study included 194, predominantly male (53.6%), patients. About 46% of patients developed CS, mostly during the first month after VATS. Variables with significant correlation (P < 0.05) to CS included age (20 ± 3.6 years), body mass index (BMI) (mean 27 ± 4.9), smoking (34%), associated plantar HH (50%), and laterality of VATS (40.2% in dominant side). Only level of activity showed a statistical trend (P= 0.055). In multivariable logistic regression, BMI, plantar HH, and unilateral VATS were significant predictors for CS. Using receiver operating characteristic curve, the best cutoff point of BMI for prediction was 28.5, with sensitivity 77% and specificity 82%. CS is a frequent health concern early after VATS. Patients with BMI >28.5 and no plantar HH are at higher risk of postoperative CS, and a unilateral dominant side VATS as an initial management step may lessen the risk of CS. Bilateral VATS can be provided for patients with low risk of CS and patients with low satisfaction after unilateral VATS.

Surgical management of compensatory sweating: A systematic review.

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) surgery is a highly effective treatment of primary hyperhidrosis (PH) for the palms, face, axillae. Compensatory sweating (CS) is the most common and feared side effect of thoracic sympathectomy. CS is a phenomenon characterized by increased sweating in sites distal to the level of sympathectomy. Compensatory sweating is the main problem for which many patients give up surgery, losing the chance to solve their problem and accepting a poor quality of life. There are still no treatments that offer reliable solutions for compensatory sweating. The treatments proposed in the literature are scarce, with low case histories, and with uncertain results. Factors associated with CS are extension of manipulation of the sympathetic chain, level of sympathetic denervation, and body mass index. Therapeutic options include non surgical treatment and surgical treatment. Non surgical treatments include topical agents, botulinum toxin, systemic anticholinergics, iontophoresis. Surgical treatments include clip removal, extended sympathectomy and sympathetic chain reconstruction, although the efficacy is not well-established for all the methods. In this review we provide an overview of the treatments and outcomes described in the literature for the management of compensatory CS, with focus on surgical treatment.

Robotic Sympathectomy for Hyperhidrosis.

In hyperhidrosis, the body's sweat glands overact. Excessive sweating results from this overactivity, and for many hyperhidrosis patients, managing symptoms can be difficult in day-to-day life. Both surgical and non-surgical types of treatment are available for hyperhidrosis. Surgical treatments include microwave sympathectomy (video-assisted thoracic surgery and robotic). Da Vinci Si and Xi robotic systems are used. This review summarizes the outcomes, complications, advantages, and disadvantages of robotic sympathectomy. We conducted a literature search using PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus. After analyzing nine articles, we found that robotic sympathectomy decreased compensatory hyperhidrosis with similar outcomes to other procedures. Robotic sympathectomy also reduced complications of Horner syndrome and has changed minimally invasive surgery significantly due to the reduction in tremors by a surgeon's hands to three-dimensional magnified views. It can potentially address the limitations of human video-assisted sympathectomy. However, the higher cost of robotic surgery, longer perioperative time due to the setting up of the machine, and higher training requirements are some of the disadvantages. The advantages of robotic sympathectomy are a reduction in compensatory sweating, better dexterity, loss of tremors, better visualization, and better accuracy. Although the overall success rates seem to be similar between robotic and video-assisted approaches, more studies are needed.

Efficacy and Outcome Prediction of Unilateral Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy in Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: A Comparative Study with Bilateral Sympathectomy

To compare unilateral dominant-side video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (U-VATS) with bilateralprocedures (B-VATS) in terms of efficacy and complications and to identify predictors of outcome after U-VATS. A prospective multicenter cohort study in which patients presented with primary palmar hyperhidrosis were treated by either U-VATS (82 cases) or B-VATS (112 cases). The demographic, clinical, operative, and postoperative findings were collected for all patients and compared in both groups. The factors associated with outcome were identified, and predictors of outcome in U-VATS were investigated to identify best candidates for unilateral sympathectomy. Both groups were balanced regarding demographic and preoperative clinical data. U-VATS was associated with significantly less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stays. Compensatory sweating was significantly less frequent in U-VATS with significantly better improvement in planter hyperhidrosis. Both groups were comparable as regards recurrence rate, patient satisfaction, and quality of life at 1 year. Preoperative Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life Questionnaire scores predicted outcome in U-VATS, and the best cutoff point was identified. U-VATS proved to be equally effective as B-VATS with less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, less frequent compensatory sweating, and better improvement of planter hyperhidrosis. The results suggest that patients with preoperative Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life Questionnaire scores >80 are better operated via B-VATS, whereas lower scores are indicated for U-VATS.

Long-Term Outcomes and Course of Compensatory Sweating after Endoscopic Sympathicotomy.

Endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy is an effective approach to the treatment of idiopathic localized hyperhidrosis, and compensatory sweating is the main reason for patient dissatisfaction. Our study discusses both the long-term outcomes of sympathicotomy and the course of compensatory sweating. Patients with palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis who were operated by the same surgical team between January 2008 and December 2014 were included in the study. After at least 5 years (60 months) from operation, patients were questioned about their treatment outcomes by using an original survey form. Of the 137 patients included in the study, 88 (64.2%) were female and 49 (35.8%) were male. The mean time from the operation to the survey interview was 80.9 ± 14.1 (64-136) months. After operation, complaints disappeared in 95.1% of the patients, and decreased in 4.9% with palmar hyperhidrosis. Complaints completely disappeared in 12.9% and decreased in 81.7% of the patients with axillary hyperhidrosis. Ninety-seven (70.8%) of the patients described increased sweating in some parts of their body after operation but only 47 reached an uncomfortable intensity. The number of patients who regretted the operation due to the compensatory sweating was 13 (9.5%). The patients' overall scoring of the operation and procedure was calculated as 8.0 ± 2.1 (0-10 points) out of 10. Endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy's long-term outcomes are also satisfactory in the treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. Compensatory sweating may decrease over time, only a minority of patients will express regret at undergoing the treatment.

Long-Term Efficacy of T3 Versus T3+T4 Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy for Concurrent Palmar and Plantar Hyperhidrosis

BackgroundMore than 50% of patients with palmar hyperhidrosis (PAH) also have plantar hyperhidrosis (PLH). We compared the long-term results of T3 sympathectomy with those of combined T3+T4 sympathectomy among patients with concurrent PAH and PLH. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed the records of patients with concurrent PAH and PLH who underwent T3 alone or T3+T4 sympathectomy from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2017. Preoperative and postoperative sweating (hyperhidrosis index) was evaluated through questionnaires, physical examination, and outpatient follow-up. The relief rates and hyperhidrosis index were used as outcome measures to compare the efficacy of the two approaches. Patients’ satisfaction and side effects were also evaluated. ResultsOf the 220 eligible patients, 60 underwent T3 sympathectomy (T3 group), and 160 underwent T3+T4 sympathectomy (T3+T4 group). Compared with the T3 group, the T3+T4 group showed higher symptom relief rates both for PAH (98.75% versus 93.33%, P = 0.048) and PLH (65.63% versus 46.67%, P = 0.01), and a greater postoperative decrease in both hyperhidrosis indices. The rate of severe compensatory hyperhidrosis also increased (10% versus 5%, P = 0.197), although the rates of overall satisfaction were comparable between the groups. The incidence of postoperative pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement and postoperative neuralgia was also similar. There were no cases of perioperative death, secondary operation, wound infection, or Horner syndrome in either group. ConclusionsCompared with T3 alone, T3+T4 sympathectomy achieved a higher symptom relief rate and a lower hyperhidrosis index. T3+T4 sympathectomy may be a choice for the treatment of concurrent PAH and PLH; however, patients need to be informed that this kind of surgery may increase the risk of compensatory sweating.

Rib-oriented Thoracoscopic Sympathetic Surgery for Hyperhidrosis: Prospective Long-term Results and Quality of Life

The optimal thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery for primary palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis (PPAH) is still unclear because of lack of uniform technique and qualitative/quantitative scales for definition of results. The aims of this study were to compare long-term outcomes based on the surgical technique and the level of sympathetic trunk interruption by clipping and to assess postoperative compensatory sweating (CS), patients' satisfaction, and quality of life (QoL). Between September 2009 and April 2016, 94 patients who underwent 2-stage bilateral thoracoscopic rib-oriented (R) sympathetic clipping were prospectively followed up through the administration of standardized preoperative and postoperative questionnaires.Thirty-four (36.2%) patients underwent single-port transaxillary access instead of the standard two 5-mm incisions. The level of sympathetic clipping for PPAH was R3+4(top and bottom); in patients who complained associated facial or plantar hyperhidrosis R2-bottom and R5-top were clipped, respectively. Seventy-five patients completed bilateral surgery. There were no significant differences between single-port and biportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in terms of operative times and postoperative results. At a mean follow-up of 72 (SD: 26) months, CS was reported in 42 (56%) patients, severe only in 6 (8%). It was higher in the case of R2-bottom clipping (P=0.03). Thirty-one of 60 (51.6%) patients who had a plantar hyperhidrosis declared an improvement of feet sweating after surgery. Postoperative satisfaction was excellent (86.11% on a 0 to 100 scale) and 95.4% of patients declared an improvement in QoL, which was statistically significant in all evaluated parameters. These results were not related to the level of clipping. Thoracoscopic R3 to R4 clipping appears to be a safe and effective treatment for PPAH. Although postoperative CS was common and higher after R2-bottom clipping, this did not seem to affect patients' satisfaction and improvement in QoL.

Intercostal Nerve Reconstruction for Severe Compensatory Hyperhidrosis: The Gebitekin Technique

Compensatory sweating (CS) is the most common and disabling complication of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy and represents an unmet clinical challenge. Our surgical hypothesis is to generate a parallel pathway to the damaged part of the sympathetic nerve, similar to the Kuntz nerve, by reconstructing the 2 healthy intercostal nerves, thus treating CS. Here, we present a novel videothoracoscopic technique involving bilateral intercostal nerve reconstruction in patients with severe CS after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

Does endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy improve the quality of life of patients with primary hyperhidrosis? A single center retrospective review

Background: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is renowned as an effective surgical treatment for primary hyperhidrosis (PHH) and believed to improve patients’ quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of patients with PHH after ETS compared to before ETS, and to determine whether compensatory sweating (CS) affects QOL of patients. Methods: This is a single-centre retrospective review of patients who had undergone ETS at the National Heart Center [Institut Jantung Negara (IJN)], Malaysia. In total, 62 patients from January 2014 to December 2018 were recruited. Medical records were first reviewed for all relevant data, prior to making telephone interview to administer the questionnaire. A modified questionnaire with validated components was used to assess the patients’ QOL. Patient satisfaction, symptom resolution, recurrence and occurrence of CS were also asked during the interview. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. Results: A total of 46 patients (response rate: 74.2%) completed the questionnaire, with 95.7% reporting improvement in the total QOL score (Mean difference = 113.54, SD=70.79, 95% CI = 95.52 – 134.57, p&lt;0.001). There was remarkable symptom resolution for palmar HH as 97.8% reported dry hands, whereas majority of patients with palmar-plantar HH reported persistent sweating from feet HH. CS rate was 89.1%. In terms of severity of CS, 6 (14.6%) reported mild, 17 (41.5%) moderate, and 18 (43.9%) had severe CS. The severity of CS as well as the number of locations have a significant effect on the QOL reported (p=0.022 and p=0.008, respectively). Conclusion: ETS is an effective treatment for PHH in improving the QOL of patients, even long term. The occurrence of CS did not affect the QOL, but severity of CS and number of locations involved in CS affect the QOL of patients.

The Rate of Compensatory Sweating and Clinical Outcomes of Selective Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy (Ramicotomy) in Patients with Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis

Background: Primary hyperhidrosis is a sympathetic disorder characterized by prolonged and uncontrollable sweating. It is associated with emotional stress or psychological causes that preferably affects the axillae, palms, feet, and face. Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery is currently a globally recognized treatment for primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PH). However, compensatory sweating (CS) is the most prominent long-term adverse effect of thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Objectives: Here, we aim to perform selective sympathetic ramicotomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis patients and evaluate the clinical outcomes of satisfaction, as well as the effect on the frequency, location, and severity of compensatory sweating. Methods: In this single-arm trial study, 24 sympathectomies were carried out on 12 patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis who were candidates for bilateral thoracoscopic selective sympathectomy (ramicotomy) at Imam Khomeini Hospital. The patients’ demographic information was interviewed and followed up using telephone questionnaires in the health center one week after surgery. Then, the rates of compensatory sweating, satisfaction, and failure or recurrence were retrospectively analyzed. Results: No significant differences were observed between age, gender, weight, BMI, and compensatory sweating rates. Notwithstanding, there was a statistically significant difference in the severity of compensatory sweating with patients’ height (P = 0.016). Compensatory sweating occurred in 66.7% of the patients; 50% of the patients were mild, 16.7% of the patients were moderate, and there was no intolerable compensatory sweating or recurrence. The most incidence of compensatory sweating was on the lower back. The rate of satisfaction was 94.5 ± 7.8%. Conclusions: Selective thoracoscopic sympathectomy (ramicotomy) is an effective surgical procedure with a very high level of precision and satisfaction. This technique hence should be considered the method of choice for the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis.