Sequential Extended Thoracoscopic Sympathicotomy for Palmo-Axillo-Plantar Hyperhidrosis.

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Sequential Extended Thoracoscopic Sympathicotomy for Palmo-Axillo-Plantar Hyperhidrosis.

Ann Thorac Surg. 2017 Oct;104(4):1200-1207

Authors: Elalfy K, Emile S, Elfeki H, Elmetwally A, Farag M, Gado W

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Palmo-axillo-plantar hyperhidrosis (HH) exists in approximately 70% to 100% of patients complaining of HH. Many studies have documented variable effects of thoracoscopic sympathicotomy (TS) on plantar sweating. The present trial evaluated sequential extended thoracoscopic sympathicotomy for the treatment of palmo-axillo-plantar HH regarding its feasibility and outcome on each domain of HH, particularly the plantar domain METHODS: Forty-two patients with severe palmo-axillo-plantar HH underwent sequential extended (T3 to T12) thoracoscopic sympathicotomy. Improvement in HH was assessed using visual analog scale and iodine-starch test, and quality of life was evaluated using the Keller quality of life questionnaire preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively.
RESULTS: Included were 16 men and 26 women with a mean age of 24.3 ± 5.3 years. The average preoperative VAS for the palmar, axillary, and plantar HH was 9 ± 0.66, which declined significantly (p < 0.0001) at 24 months of follow-up to a mean of 0.74 ± 0.4 for the palmar and axillary domains and to 1.26 ± 0.7 for plantar HH. Improvement in quality of life was observed in all patients at 24 months of follow-up as the overall median score decreased from 120.5 to 3.5.
CONCLUSIONS: Sequential extended thoracoscopic sympathicotomy proved to be an effective method for the treatment of combined HH because it achieved satisfactory and sustained improvement of palmar, axillary, and plantar sweating. Although the benefits of sequential extended thoracoscopic sympathicotomy outweigh its drawbacks and technical difficulties, further prospective studies are required to ascertain the effectiveness of this new technique.

PMID: 28728907 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Outcome of Limited Video-Assisted Lumbar Sympathetic Block for Plantar Hyperhidrosis Using Clipping Method.

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Outcome of Limited Video-Assisted Lumbar Sympathetic Block for Plantar Hyperhidrosis Using Clipping Method.

J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2017 Jan;27(1):36-42

Authors: Yun SW, Kim YS, Lee Y, Lim HJ, Park SI, Jung JP, Park CR

Abstract
BACKGROUND: There are many ways to treat focal hyperhidrosis, including surgeries for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. However, doctors and patients tend to be reluctant to perform surgery for plantar hyperhidrosis due to misconceptions and prejudices about surgical treatment. In addition, few studies have reported the outcome of surgeries for plantar hyperhidrosis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the outcome (early and late postoperative satisfaction, complication, compensatory hyperhidrosis, recurrence rate, and efficiency) of surgical treatment for plantar hyperhidrosis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2014 to October 2015, lumbar sympathetic block (LSB) was performed in 82 patients with plantar hyperhidrosis using clipping method. Limited video-assisted LSB was performed using 5 mm ligamax-clip or 3 mm horizontal-clip after identifying L3-4 sympathetic ganglion through finger-touch and endoscopic vision.
RESULTS: Of the 82 patients, 45 were male and 37 were female. Their mean age was 26.38 years (range, 14-51 years). Mean follow-up time was 6.60 ± 3.56 months. Mean early postoperative satisfaction score was 9.6 on the 10th day postoperative evaluation. At more than 1 month later, the mean late postoperative satisfaction score was 9.2. There was no significant difference in early postoperative satisfaction score between clipping level L3 and L4/5. However, late postoperative satisfaction score was significantly better in the L3 group than that in the L4/5 group. Patient’s age and body mass index did not affect the satisfaction score. However, male patients and patients who had history of hyperhidrosis operation showed higher satisfaction score than others.
CONCLUSION: Limited video-assisted LSB using clip provided good results with minimal complications and low compensatory hidrosis, contrary to the prejudice toward it. Therefore, surgical treatment is recommended for plantar hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 27622702 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

A Simple User-made Iontophoresis Device for Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis.

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A Simple User-made Iontophoresis Device for Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis.

J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016 Jan-Mar;9(1):32-3

Authors: Nagar R, Sengar SS

Abstract
Iontophoresis is defined as passing of an ionized substance through intact skin by application of direct electric current. Tap water iontophoresis is reliable and effective method for treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhydrosis when practiced with appropriate technique and timing. One of the major setback for using iontophoresis is that the apparatus is expensive and is not readily available. A simple user-made Iontophoresis device have been described here, which could be easily constructed and used at home.

PMID: 27081247 [PubMed]

Plantar Sweating as an Indicator of Lower Risk of Compensatory Sweating after Thoracic Sympathectomy.

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Plantar Sweating as an Indicator of Lower Risk of Compensatory Sweating after Thoracic Sympathectomy.

Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2017 Sep;65(6):479-483

Authors: Kargi AB

Abstract
Background Hyperhidrosis is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system that results in regional excessive sweating, mostly in the hands, armpits, and feet. A permanent and effective treatment of hyperhidrosis can be achieved by interruption of the thoracic sympathetic chain with endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). However, some side effects, particularly compensatory sweating (CS), are the limitations of this procedure. The mechanism of CS and the associated risk factors are still controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the relationship with various parameters associated with CS in patients undergoing ETS. Materials and Methods ETS was performed on a total of 95 patients for palmar hyperhidrosis, axillary hyperhidrosis and facial blushing by the same surgeon. The mean age of the patients was 26.41 (± 7) years, and 54 (56.8%) were males. Palmar hyperhidrosis was present in 54 (56.8%) patients, axillary hyperhidrosis in 33 (34.7%) patients, and facial blushing in 8 (8.5%) patients. Moreover, 38 (40%) patients also had plantar sweating. The severity of CS was rated into three scales as less, moderate, and severe. Results Regarding the severity of CS, 55 (57.9%) patients had no or less CS, 28 (29.5%) had moderate CS, and 12 (12.6%) patients had severe CS. Higher age group had a significant increased risk of severe CS (p = 0.03) (r = 0.262). Patients with body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 had a statistically significantly increased risk of severe CS (p = 0.016). Facial blushing resulted in severe CS in a significantly higher proportion of patients than by palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis (p = 0.001). The level of surgery was another important risk factor for CS, with the T2 level showing an increased risk of severe CS compared with T3 level (p < 0.001). Furthermore, plantar sweating was inversely and significantly related to the development of CS. Patients with plantar sweating had a significantly decreased incidence of developing CS (p = 0.015). Conclusion CS after thoracic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis is the most displeasing and restrictive side effect. This study demonstrates that older age, operation level, facial blushing, and high BMI are risk factors for CS, as have been shown in several similar studies. An interesting finding of the present study is that there was a decreased incidence of CS among patients with plantar sweating. This situation may help us to distinguish high risk for CS before ETS operation.

PMID: 27043786 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

[Effect of T4 thoracoscopic sympathectomy on 
plantar hyperhidrosis in patients with 
primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis].

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[Effect of T4 thoracoscopic sympathectomy on 
plantar hyperhidrosis in patients with 
primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis].

Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2016 Mar 28;41(3):300-4

Authors: Xiao P, Liu A, Liu W

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy at the T4 level on plantar hyperhidrosis in the treatment of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.

METHODS: The clinical data of 28 patients with primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, who were admited in our hospital from June 2009 to May 2014, was analyzed. All patients were qualified to bilateral thoracoscopic transaction of the sympathetic chain at the thoracic level T4. Patients completed a self-administered hyperhidrosis questionnaire and scoring before and after procedure. Follow-up data were obtained at 1 and 6 months after the surgery.

RESULTS: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy at the thoracic level T4 was performed successfully for all cases. Palmar hyperhidrosis was completely alleviated after the operation and no recurrence was observed during follow-up. The ratio for initial improvement of plantar hyperhidrosis was 28.6% (8/28) at 1 month after the surgery followed by a recurrence of plantar hyperhidrosis. No case continued to show the improvement of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis at 6 months after the sympathectomy. Twenty-seven patients (96.4%) were very satisfied with the outcome of the operation, 1 patient (3.6%) satisfied and no patient regretted the surgical procedure.

CONCLUSION: T4 thoracoscopic sympathectomy could initialliy alleviate plantar hyperhidrosis in some patients with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, but the improvement was not sustained over a long period. It could not be used to treat plantar hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 27033795 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Single-Port Microthoracoscopic Sympathicotomy for the Treatment of Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: an Analysis of 56 Consecutive Cases.

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Single-Port Microthoracoscopic Sympathicotomy for the Treatment of Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: an Analysis of 56 Consecutive Cases.

Indian J Surg. 2015 Aug;77(4):270-5

Authors: Shi H, Shu Y, Shi W, Lu S, Sun C

Abstract
The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility and safety of single-port microthoracoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis. Between January 2008 and March 2013, 56 patients (36 male, 20 female; mean age 25.6 years, age range 16-39 years) underwent single-port microthoracoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis. Nineteen patients (33.9 %) had moderate palmar hyperhidrosis that could thoroughly wet a handkerchief, and 37 (66.1 %) had severe palmar hyperhidrosis with sweat dripping from the palm. Eight patients (14.3 %) had a positive family history, 34 (60.7 %) had plantar hyperhidrosis, 22 (39.3 %) had axillary hyperhidrosis, and 20 (35.7 %) had both plantar and axillary hyperhidrosis. In addition, 21 patients (37.5 %) had palmar pompholyx, five (8.9 %) had keratolysis exfoliativa, 10 (17.9 %) had chilblains, and nine (16.1 %) had palmar rhagades. A single 10-mm skin incision was made in the third intercostal space at the anterior axillary line, posterior to the pectoralis muscle. A 5-mm microthoracoscope and a 3-mm microelectrocautery hook were inserted through a single port into the thoracic cavity. The third and fourth ribs were identified, and the sympathetic chain was cut using the microelectrocautery hook. The bypassing nerve fibers, such as the Kuntz nerve fiber bundle, were ablated for 2-3 cm along the surface of the rib. The palmar temperature was recorded before and after sympathicotomy. All 56 procedures were completed using single-port microthoracoscopy. No postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, wound infection, hemopneumothorax, bradycardia, or Horner’s syndrome were observed. Bilateral procedures were completed in 20-56 min (mean 30 min). The palmar temperature increased by 2.2 ± 0.3 °C after surgery. The postoperative hospital stay was 1-4 days (mean 2.5 days). Mild compensatory sweating of the back and thigh occurred in five patients (8.9 %) at 2-3 days after surgery and disappeared at 7-15 days. The patients were followed up for 28.5 months (range 1-62 months). Hyperhidrosis resolved in both hands after surgery, and the previously wet, cold hands became dry and warm. The efficacy rate was 100 %. Plantar hyperhidrosis was also significantly reduced in 33 of the 34 patients with this condition (remission rate 97.1 %), and axillary hyperhidrosis was significantly reduced in 19 of 22 patients (remission rate 86.4 %). Eighteen of the 20 patients (90.0 %) with both plantar and axillary hyperhidrosis experienced significant alleviation of their symptoms. Single-port microthoracoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy is a safe, convenient, and effective method of treating palmar hyperhidrosis. This procedure can accurately locate the sympathetic chain with a small incision, minimal invasiveness, and good cosmetic results. The procedure is suitable for extensive clinical use.

PMID: 26702233 [PubMed]

Research of primary hyperhidrosis in students of medicine of the State of Sergipe, Brazil.

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Research of primary hyperhidrosis in students of medicine of the State of Sergipe, Brazil.

An Bras Dermatol. 2015 Sep-Oct;90(5):661-5

Authors: Lima SO, Aragão JF, Machado Neto J, Almeida KB, Menezes LM, Santana VR

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweat production occurs at 2.9-9% of the population.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and disorders due to primary hyperhidrosis (HP) in medicine students in the state of Sergipe.
METHODS: Cross-sectional study using individual interviews.
RESULTS: Hyperhidrosis was found in 14.76% of subjects, the most affected regions were palmar, plantar and axillary, causing prejudice in daily activities. Family history occurred in 45% and 22.72% was diagnosed by a physician.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hyperhidrosis in medicine students of Sergipe was high, with strong family and a small portion of diagnoses made by medical professionals.

PMID: 26560211 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome In An Adolescent Female: A Case Study.

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Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome In An Adolescent Female: A Case Study.

J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 May;9(5):ZD23-5

Authors: Jijin MJ, Jaishankar HP, Narayaran VS, Rangaswamy K, Puthaswamy KA

Abstract
Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome (PLS) is a rare inherited autosomal-recessive condition with one-third of the patients’ showing consanguinity of the parents. Lesions are characterised by palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis and hyperhidrosis. Early onset of periodonditis, severe periodontal destruction in both primary and permanent dentitions, and calcification of the duramater form the three important features of this disease. Here, we present a case of a 14-year-old female who presented to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology with a complaint of mobility of the teeth since four months. Oral examination of the patient showed generalised mobility of the teeth. General physical examination of the patient showed dry scaly skin on dorsum of bilateral feet, hands, and knee. The patient had familial history positive for consanguinity. The patient was medically diagnosed as positive for PLS. The patients with PLS show combination of dermatological and dental lesions and it requires the dentist to assume a more prominent role in early treatment and rehabilitation. There is a need for symbiotic and synergetic approach between the two specialties for effective management of this rare disease.

PMID: 26155583 [PubMed]

Unilateral sequential endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: a proposed technique to overcome compensatory hyperhidrosis and improve plantar hyperhidrosis.

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Unilateral sequential endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: a proposed technique to overcome compensatory hyperhidrosis and improve plantar hyperhidrosis.

J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2015 May;25(5):370-4

Authors: Youssef T, Soliman M

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) offers permanent cure of palmar hyperhidrosis (PH), compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) often complicates the procedure. We analyzed the outcomes of a 2-month interval for unilateral sequential ETS (S-ETS) in comparison with simultaneous bilateral ETS (B-ETS), notably regarding CH and associated plantar hyperhidrosis, in treating patients with PH.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four hundred seven patients with intractable PH were randomly assigned into two groups: the B-ETS group (204 patients) and the S-ETS group (203 patients).
RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-four patients completed the study. Complication rates were comparable for both groups. No patient died perioperatively, and no conversion was necessary. Treatment success on follow-up was 97.2% for S-ETS and 96.7% for B-ETS. The incidence of CH was decreased substantially from 131 (71.1%) patients in the B-ETS group to 22 (12.2%) patients in the S-ETS group (P<.001), with no patient suffering severe CH in the S-ETS group compared with 33 (25.5%) patients in the B-ETS group. Eighty-four (58.3%) patients in the S-ETS group had simultaneous disappearance or decreased perspiration on the soles. All patients in the S-ETS group were satisfied, whereas 37.9% of B-ETS patients were unsatisfied with their operation, mostly because of CH and recurrences.
CONCLUSIONS: Although both sympathectomies were effective, safe, and minimally invasive methods for treatment of PH, unilateral sequential ETS appeared to be a more optimal technique in terms of reduction of CH to a minimum and improvement of associated plantar hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 25768057 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

[Image-guided pain therapy. Sympathicolysis].

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[Image-guided pain therapy. Sympathicolysis].

Radiologe. 2015 Jun;55(6):462-9

Authors: Burbelko M, Wagner HJ, Gutberlet M, Grothoff M

Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the autonomic nerve system most sympathetic neurons synapse peripherally in the ganglia of the sympathetic trunk. A reduction in sympathicotonia by partial elimination of these ganglia is a therapeutic approach that has been used for more than 100 years. In the early 1920s the first attempts at percutaneous sympathicolysis (SL) were carried out. Nowadays, minimally invasive image-guided SL has become an integral part of interventional radiology. Established indications for SL are hyperhidrosis, critical limb ischemia and the complex regional pain syndrome.
METHODS: The standard imaging guidance modality in SL is computed tomography (CT) which allows the exact placement of the puncture needle in the target area under visualization of the surrounding structures. Ethanol is normally used for chemical lysis, which predominantly eliminates the unmyelinated autonomic axons. In order to visualize the distribution of the ethanol during application, iodine-containing contrast medium is added.
RESULTS: The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) controls sweat secretion via the efferent neurons; therefore, effective therapy of idiopathic palmar, axillary and plantar hyperhidrosis can be achieved when SL is performed at the corresponding level of the sympathetic trunk. Furthermore, due to the vasomotor innervation of most blood vessels, by reduction of the sympathicotonus an atony of the smooth muscles and therefore vasodilatation occurs, which is used as a palliative therapeutic option in patients with critical limb ischemia. By elimination of the afferent sensory fibers this also results in pain relief. This principle is also used in the SL therapy of the complex regional pain syndrome.
CONCLUSION: After the introduction of CT guidance, major complications have become rare events. In addition to the usual risks of percutaneous interventions there are, however, a number of specific complications, such as syncope caused by irritation of cardiac sympathetic nerves in thoracic SL and ureteral injury in lumbar SL.

PMID: 26063075 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]