Housset M, Dessertenne G, Marchand E, Daligault M, Maillard H. A multicentre retrospective study of lumbar sympathectomy for plantar hyperhidrosis: satisfaction and postoperative complications.
Clin Exp Dermatol 2024;
49:241-246. [PMID:
37966306 DOI:
10.1093/ced/llad373]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Primary plantar hyperhidrosis has a severe impact on quality of life and conservative treatments are only effective in the short term. Thoracic sympathectomy has proven its effectiveness in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis, but lumbar sympathectomy for plantar hyperhidrosis remains poorly described.
OBJECTIVES
To report the satisfaction of patients with primary plantar hyperhidrosis treated with mechanical lumbar sympathectomy as well as their postoperative complications.
METHODS
This was a multicentre retrospective observational study of 16 patients with primary plantar hyperhidrosis, treated with mechanical lumbar sympathectomy from December 2012 to October 2022. Patients' characteristics were collected from medical records. Quality of life, postoperative satisfaction and complications were evaluated using a standardized questionnaire.
RESULTS
Lumbar sympathectomy was performed on 16 patients, 14 were women and 2 were men with a total of 31 procedures. Fourteen (88%) patients were satisfied and would recommend the surgery to other patients. Compensatory hyperhidrosis occurred in 75% of patients, recurrence of hyperhidrosis in 31% and sexual dysfunction in 19%.
CONCLUSIONS
Lumbar sympathectomy provides satisfying results for plantar hyperhidrosis with acceptable postoperative complications, regardless of sex. Compensatory hyperhidrosis was the most frequent complication but had no impact on patient satisfaction. In the literature, data on the risk of sexual dysfunction are reassuring and in our study only one of two men experienced transient ejaculation disorder.
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