A retrospective study comparing T3 ganglionectomy and R4 sympathicotomy for reducing compensatory hyperhidrosis in primary palmar hyperhidrosis

J Thorac Dis. 2026 Jun 30;18(6):592. doi: 10.21037/jtd-2026-0904. Epub 2026 Jun 26.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the high surgical success rate, postoperative compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) remains a persistent concern in the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis using endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). This study aims to compare the early clinical outcomes of two surgical techniques-T3 ganglionectomy and R4 sympathicotomy-to determine which approach minimizes CH occurrence and enhances patient satisfaction.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted on patients who underwent either T3 ganglionectomy or R4 sympathicotomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis at Gangnam Severance Hospital from January 2023 to December 2023. Demographic data and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. CH and degree of satisfaction were assessed during outpatient visits at 3 weeks and 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS: In this study, 44 patients underwent T3 ganglionectomy and 225 patients underwent R4 sympathicotomy. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, smoking history, and family history) or operative complications between the two groups. However, CH at 3 weeks and 3 months after surgery was significantly lower in T3 ganglionectomy group [4 (9.1%) vs. 143 (63.6%); P<0.001, 5 (11.4%) vs. 150 (66.7%); P<0.001]. Additionally, patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the T3 ganglionectomy group compared to the R4 sympathicotomy group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: T3 ganglionectomy exhibited superior surgical outcomes in terms of both CH and patient satisfaction for primary palmar hyperhidrosis when compared to R4 sympathicotomy. Nonetheless, a larger prospective study with long-term follow-up is necessary to validate these findings.

PMID:42444879 | PMC:PMC13358477 | DOI:10.21037/jtd-2026-0904

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Patterns of Hyperhidrosis in Northern Hokkaido: A Single-Center Retrospective Descriptive Study

J Dermatol. 2026 Jul 1. doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.70373. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Hyperhidrosis is a common condition associated with a substantial negative impact on the quality of life. Several studies have described the clinical characteristics and disease burden of patients with hyperhidrosis in Japan. However, comparable real-world clinical data on hyperhidrosis from Hokkaido remain limited. We therefore evaluated real-world clinical practice patterns at our institution before and after the establishment of a specialized outpatient clinic for hyperhidrosis. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the data of 144 patients who presented with hyperhidrosis between November 2013 and March 2025. Patient characteristics, pathways to care, treatment modalities, and treatment continuation were evaluated using data from electronic medical records. The sex distribution, age at presentation, and subtype distribution of hyperhidrosis in our cohort were largely consistent with those reported in a prior nationwide survey. Primary axillary and/or palmar hyperhidrosis accounted for 87.5% of all cases. After launching a specialized clinic in April 2023, we observed a substantial increase in the number of patients who consulted for hyperhidrosis during visits for other dermatologic conditions; this finding may suggest the presence of previously unrecognized patients. However, changes in hospital access policies may also have influenced consultation patterns. The treatment continuation rates for axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis were both approximately 40%. Among the treatments for axillary hyperhidrosis, sofpironium bromide gel was prescribed most frequently, whereas glycopyrronium tosylate hydrate wipes showed a higher treatment continuation rate. In conclusion, the presence of a specialized outpatient clinic may improve access to care for patients with primary focal hyperhidrosis and facilitate the identification of previously unrecognized patients. However, treatment continuation remained suboptimal, highlighting the importance of improving continuity of care in hyperhidrosis management at our institution.

PMID:42385158 | DOI:10.1111/1346-8138.70373

T2-sparing vs T2-including sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis: a meta-analysis on compensatory sweating

J Cardiothorac Surg. 2026 Jun 25;21(1):445. doi: 10.1186/s13019-026-04464-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sympathectomy is the definitive treatment for primary hyperhidrosis, offering high success rates. However, compensatory sweating (CS) remains a frequent and distressing complication. The level of ganglionic resection, particularly the inclusion of T2, may influence CS incidence, but evidence remains inconsistent.

METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to July 2025, to identify studies comparing T2-sparing versus T2-including sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. For outcomes with significant heterogeneity, leave-one-out sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Eleven studies involving 3,090 patients were included. Of these, 47.2% underwent T2-sparing sympathectomy and 52.8% underwent T2-including procedures. T2-sparing sympathectomy was associated with a significantly lower incidence of overall CS (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.21-0.67; p = 0.0009; I2 = 65%) and severe CS (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.28-0.64; p < 0.0001; I2 = 19%). Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent results across both randomized and non-randomized studies, as well as across short-term (≤ 12 months) and long-term (> 12 months) follow-up periods. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings. No publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSIONS: T2-sparing sympathectomy was associated with a significantly lower incidence of CS. These findings support avoiding T2 when feasible to minimize postoperative morbidity. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

PMID:42351253 | DOI:10.1186/s13019-026-04464-4

Self-Reported Prevalence and Awareness of Hyperhidrosis Among Medical Students at the Gulf Medical University, UAE

Cureus. 2026 May 21;18(5):e109385. doi: 10.7759/cureus.109385. eCollection 2026 May.

ABSTRACT

Introduction Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating that can negatively affect quality of life and psychosocial well-being. This study aimed to determine the self-reported prevalence of hyperhidrosis symptoms and the level of awareness among medical students at Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months among students aged ≥18 years across six academic programs. Ethical approval was obtained, and a pilot study was conducted before data collection. A structured self-administered questionnaire developed from a literature review and reviewed by specialists was used to assess sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported excessive sweating symptoms suggestive of hyperhidrosis, awareness, and associated factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Out of 600 eligible participants, 480 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 80%). The majority were female (75.4%) and aged 18-21 years. The prevalence of self-reported excessive sweating symptoms suggestive of hyperhidrosis was 36.8% (171/465; 95% CI: 32.4%-41.2%). Among participants reporting excessive sweating symptoms who responded to the relevant items, the axilla was the most commonly affected site, followed by the face and hands. Afternoon was the most frequently reported time of excessive sweating. Awareness of hyperhidrosis was low, with only 31.7% of participants reporting prior knowledge, most commonly through the internet and academic sources. A significantly higher prevalence of self-reported excessive sweating symptoms was observed among males compared to females (p<0.01). Smoking was also significantly associated with self-reported excessive sweating symptoms (p<0.05). No significant associations were observed with age group, body mass index, or diabetes status. A proportion of participants reported a positive family history of similar symptoms. Conclusion Self-reported excessive sweating symptoms suggestive of hyperhidrosis were relatively common among medical students, but awareness remained low. While associations with gender and smoking were observed, the findings should be interpreted cautiously, given the use of self-reported data rather than clinically validated diagnostic criteria. Increased awareness and further studies using validated diagnostic instruments are recommended.

PMID:42326313 | PMC:PMC13283055 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.109385

Efficacy and safety of topical sofpironium bromide in treating primary axillary hyperhidrosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Dermatol Reports. 2026 Jun 16. doi: 10.4081/dr.2026.10853. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical sofpironium bromide in patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis (PAH) in various published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Medline databases through April 30, 2025, using keywords related to sofpironium and PAH. The odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) was calculated using a random effects model with 95% confidence interval (CI). Three RCTs of sofpironium were included in the meta-analysis, with 1,209 patients with PAH. Sofpironium, compared to the vehicle, showed statistically significant improvement in the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Measure-Axillary (HDSM-Ax) score (OR=2.35, 95% CI [1.82 to 3.04]), Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) score (OR=2.02, [1.46 to 2.79]), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score (MD=-2.75, [-3.58 to -1.92]), and gravimetric sweat production (MD=-26.39, [-44.65 to -8.12]). The incidences of anticholinergic adverse events (AEs) and application site AEs were statistically higher in patients treated with sofpironium. Sofpironium is an effective treatment for PAH associated with significant improvements in sweat reduction and QOL for patients, although the drug also has risks of anticholinergic or application-site AEs.

PMID:42299704 | DOI:10.4081/dr.2026.10853

Sofpironium Bromide for the Treatment of Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Cureus. 2026 May 9;18(5):e108570. doi: 10.7759/cureus.108570. eCollection 2026 May.

ABSTRACT

Sofpironium bromide is a recently approved topical anticholinergic agent for primary axillary hyperhidrosis, developed using a retrometabolic approach to limit systemic side effects. However, randomized evidence about its effects has not yet been quantitatively synthesized. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of topical sofpironium bromide compared with a vehicle in patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing topical sofpironium bromide with a vehicle. Risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random-effects models in Review Manager 7.2.0 (The Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK). Five RCTs, including 1,398 participants, were included, of whom 807 (57.7%) received topical sofpironium bromide. Compared with vehicle, sofpironium bromide significantly reduced gravimetric sweat production (GSP) at the end of treatment (MD -25.27 mg; 95% CI -40.15 to -10.40) and increased the likelihood of achieving at least a two-point improvement in the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) (RR 3.27; 95% CI 1.57-6.80). Discontinuation due to adverse events was more frequent in the sofpironium bromide group (RR 9.83; 95% CI 1.82-53.17). Adverse events occurred more frequently in the treatment group, including application-site dermatitis (RR 5.26; 95% CI 2.05-13.48), application-site pain (RR 4.63; 95% CI 2.08-10.28), pruritus (RR 5.97; 95% CI 1.98-18.02), and dry mouth (RR 15.45; 95% CI 5.35-44.62). No significant increase in serious adverse events was observed. Overall, this meta-analysis supports the efficacy of sofpironium bromide for primary axillary hyperhidrosis, while treatment decisions should be weighed against potential side effects.

PMID:42272574 | PMC:PMC13246317 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.108570

Ultra-Minimally Invasive Medical Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy for Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis

Ann Thorac Surg Short Rep. 2026 Mar 13;4(2):733-736. doi: 10.1016/j.atssr.2025.12.024. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is an effective treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Currently, single-port thoracoscopy is the primary surgical approach. Ensuring efficacy and safety, reducing surgical obstacles, minimizing tissue damage, and enhancing cosmesis and aesthetics of the surgical incision are focal in clinical research on endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. Herein, we report a simple and minimally invasive surgical technique that avoids collisions due to the telescope and endodissector crossing in single-port thoracoscopic surgery. This refers to the application of medical thoracoscopy combined with nonintubation anesthesia and perfusion index monitoring in the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

PMID:42267010 | PMC:PMC13245509 | DOI:10.1016/j.atssr.2025.12.024