Quality of life after transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy for upper limb hyperhidrosis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the outcome after transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy (TES) for upper limb hyperhidrosis.

DESIGN:

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING:

District general hospital.

SUBJECTS:

Consecutive patients undergoing TES for upper limb hyperhidrosis over a fifteen month period.

INTERVENTIONS:

One-stage bilateral TES.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Change in quality of life as shown by the Short Form-36 health assessment questionnaire.

RESULTS:

Sixteen patients (11 women and 5 men, median age 26 years) underwent operation without complications. At median follow-up of 6.2 months, symptomatic improvement was found in 26 of 32 limbs treated (82%). Truncal compensatory hyperhidrosis was reported by 13 patients but was severe in only three. There were significant improvements in social function (p = 0.01) and mental health (p = 0.025) as assessed by the SF-36.

CONCLUSION:

Despite a high incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis, TES improved both the symptoms and overall quality of life in patients with upper limb hyperhidrosis.

• Authors: R A Sayeed, I Nyamekye, A S Ghauri, K R Poskitt
• Journal: The European journal of surgery. Supplement. : = Acta chirurgica. Supplement (Eur J Surg Suppl) Issue 580 Pg. 39-42 ( 1998) ISSN: 1102-416X [Print] England
• PMID: 9641385 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Axilla
• Electrocoagulation
• Endoscopy
• Female
• Hand
• Health Status Indicators
• Humans
• Hyperhidrosis (surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Quality of Life
• Sympathectomy (methods)