Bilateral one-stage single-port sympathicotomy in primary focal hyperhidrosis, a prospective cohort study: treat earlier?

Incidence and Severity of Compensatory Hyperhidrosis Following Bilateral Sympathectomy

BACKGROUND

Primary hyperhidrosis is a condition caused by an excessive stimulation of sweat glands, leading to a decline in both quality of life and social wellbeing. Thoracic sympathectomy surgery provides a relief of the initial symptoms but poses a risk for developing compensatory hyperhidrosis in various degrees.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and characteristics of compensatory hyperhidrosis post thoracic sympathectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy surgery at level T2-T3 between 2016 and 2022 was conducted. Patients' data was retrieved from medical records and through a telephone interview.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients (32 males and 18 females) were operated on with a mean ± SD age of 25.9 ± 7.4 years at the time of surgery for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. Initial symptoms started in childhood at a mean ± SD age of 11.4 ± 3.3 years. Postoperatively, 39 patients (78%) developed compensatory hyperhidrosis, more prevalent in males (64.1%) compared to females (35.8%). This compensatory hyperhidrosis mainly affected the back and abdomen (100%), followed by the groin and thighs (28.2%), and, to a lesser extent, the craniofacial area (15.3%). Onset of symptoms occurred within one week after surgery in 71.7% of cases, with 71.7% reporting mild to moderate symptoms. Compensatory hyperhidrosis was significantly associated with higher age at the time of surgery, smoking status, and a longer time lapse in the surgery operation (p value <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracic sympathectomy is an effective procedure with a high success rate. Despite a relatively higher occurrence of compensatory hyperhidrosis, most patients experience milder symptoms and express satisfaction, noting that their expectations were met following the surgery.

Staged single-port thoracoscopic R2 sympathicotomy as a reproducible, safe and effective treatment option for debilitating severe facial blushing

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to investigate the safety, feasibility, success rate, complication rate and side effects of staged single-port thoracoscopic R2 sympathicotomy in the treatment of severe facial blushing. Facial blushing is considered a benign condition; however, severe facial blushing can have a major impact on quality of life. When nonsurgical options such as medication and psychological treatments offer no or insufficient relief, surgical treatment with thoracoscopic sympathicotomy should be considered.

METHODS

All patients who underwent a staged thoracoscopic sympathicotomy at level R2 for severe facial blushing between January 2016 and September 2021 were included. Clinical and surgical data were prospectively collected and analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 16 patients with low operative risk (American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1) were treated. No major perioperative complications were encountered. One patient experienced postoperative unilateral Horner’s syndrome that resolved completely after 1 week. Two patients experienced compensatory hyperhidrosis. The success rate was 100%. One patient experienced a slight recurrence of blushing symptoms after 3 years that did not interfere with their quality of life. All patients were satisfied with the results and had no regrets of having undergone the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Staged single-port thoracoscopic R2 sympathicotomy is a reproducible, safe and highly effective surgical treatment option with low compensatory hyperhidrosis rates and the potential to significantly improve quality of life in carefully selected patients suffering from severe facial blushing. We would like to increase awareness among healthcare professionals for debilitating facial blushing and suggest timely referral for surgical treatment.

Minimally Invasive Sympathicotomy for Palmar Hyperhidrosis and Facial Blushing: Current Status and the Hyperhidrosis Expert Center Approach

Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating beyond physiological need, is a condition with serious emotional and social consequences for affected patients. Symptoms usually appear in focal areas such as the feet, hands, axillae and face. Non-surgical treatment options such as topical antiperspirants or systemic medications are usually offered as a first step of treatment, although these therapies are often ineffective, especially in severe and intolerable cases of hyperhidrosis. In the treatment algorithm for patients suffering from hyperhidrosis, surgical thoracoscopic sympathicotomy offers a permanent solution, which is particularly effective in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis and facial blushing. In this review, we describe the current status of thoracoscopic sympathicotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis and facial blushing. In addition, we share the specific treatment approach, technique and results of our Hyperhidrosis Expert Center. Last, we share recommendations to ensure an effective, reproducible and safe application of single-port thoracoscopic sympathicotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis and facial blushing, based on our extensive experience.

Outcome Using Either Intradermal Botox Injection or Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy for Patients with Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: A Comparative Study

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, negatively impacts patients both physically and psychologically. It may be primary or secondary: the primary form is a benign condition, with its growing prevalence reaching 5% recently. Its medical treatments are transitory. Objectives: Comparison of the outcomes of patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) after intradermal Botox injection (IBI) versus endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). Methods: Forty patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. Patients in the IBI group received an intradermal injection of a botulinum toxin A. Patients in the EST group received endoscopic electrocautery of the sympathetic chain. The patients were evaluated biweekly for 12 weeks, and patient satisfaction by outcome was evaluated using a 4-point satisfaction score. Results: At 12 weeks, 60% of the IBI group patients had maintained an improvement. Meanwhile, 40% of the patients were improved compared to pre-intervention scores, despite deterioration after remarkable improvement. On the other hand, 80% of ETS group patients maintained their Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) up until the end of follow-up. Patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher for the IBI group compared to the ETS group. Conclusions: Intradermal Botox injection is a simple, safe, non-invasive, and effective therapeutic modality for PPH and achieved higher patient satisfaction compared to ETS.