THORACOSCOPIC SYMPATHECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH PALMAR HYPERHIDROSIS: EVALUATION OF QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER SURGERY

Abstract

When approaching patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PH), refractory to conservative treatment, endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a safe and effective alternative.

Methods and materials: Retrospective study in order to assess the quality of life of patients with PH undergoing ETS, from 1 of January 2009 to 31 of December 2014. The data was collected from the medical registries of each patient and from a clinical interview with the application of the quality of life SF-36 questionnaire. The statistical analysis was preformed using SPSS.

Results: In this period, 21 patients were operated, 14 of which answered the questionnaire. It was found that ETS is an effective procedure in 100% of patients, who have a reasonable quality of life as assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire. Most patients have a perception of improved quality of life after ETS. In this study, 85.7% of patients developed compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH).

Discussion: In this study we confirmed the benefit associated to ETS, in line with previous studies. However, this study as some limitations such as the subjectivity of the symptoms, the small sample size, the recall bias and the complexity of the SF-36 questionnaire. When referring a patient to ETS, the possibility of CH should be addressed in patient’s decision-making process given its high incidence.

Conclusion: The ETS is a safe and effective procedure and is associated with an improved quality of life of individuals with PH.