Quality of life after thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis

Background: Palmar hyperhidrosis is a benign functional disorder regarded as a psychological and social handicap. Improvement of the quality of life is a major goal of treatment. However, little attention has been given to quality of life after thoracoscopic sympathectomy, which is the first line of treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. Methods: 31 patients who had undergone bilateral transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy were evaluated by phone interview and the SF-36 questionnaire to assess improvements in symptoms and the development of compensatory hyperhydrosis. Mean age was 29.0±9.9 years at operation, and 71% were female. Results: All patients underwent division at T2 and T3 level. The hands of all patients were warm and dry after operation. No conversion to open surgery was necessary, and no operative mortality was recorded. Inhospital stay was 2 days for all patients. No drains were used perioperatively. SF-36 subscales were excellent for 6 scales with the exception of bodily pain (59±25) and social functioning (55±20). The rate of compensatory sweating was 35.5%, with minor effect on quality of life. Conclusion: Transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy resulted in significant improvements inpatient's overall quality of life. The procedure is associated with minimal morbidity and only a short inpatient stay is required. Patients should be cautioned on the possibility of compensatory hyperhydrosis.