Category: Sympathectomy

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Radiofrequency in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

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Radiofrequency in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Clin Auton Res. 2019 Sep 24;:

Authors: Hasimoto FN, Cataneo DC, Hasimoto EN, Ximenes AMG, Cataneo AJM

Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate, via a systematic review, the effectiveness of radiofrequency (RF) for treatment of primary hyperhidrosis (PH).
METHODS: Experimental or observational studies were included where RF treatment (ablation or microneedling) was performed, comparing the periods before and after treatment.
RESULTS: Nine studies were considered eligible and included for analysis. In seven of nine studies, patients were subjected to RF only, and in two of nine studies RF was compared to video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (VATS). There was a reduction in the severity of PH in microneedling (three studies, mean difference -1.24, 95% CI -1.44 to -1.03). In a study that performed sympathetic RF ablation there was a greater reduction in PH severity compared to studies that performed microneedling (-2.42, 95% CI -2.55 to -2.29). There was improvement in the quality of life (QoL) after sympathetic RF ablation (two studies, mean difference -15.92, 95% CI -17.61 to -14.24). Regarding the microneedling procedure, there was a lower improvement in QoL, (two studies, -9.0, 95% CI -9.15 to -8.85). One study comparing sympathetic RF ablation with VATS applied the QoL questionnaire, and the VATS showed superior results. One of the two studies comparing compensatory sweating in RF ablation with VATS showed that compensatory hyperhidrosis was higher in VATS; however, the other study did not observe this difference. One study compared the recurrence of symptoms between VATS and RF ablation; symptom recurrence was shown to be higher in RF.
CONCLUSIONS: RF is effective for PH treatment, with superior results obtained with sympathetic ablation compared to microneedling.

PMID: 31552511 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Is there any relationship between quality of life and the level of sympathectomy in primary palmar hyperhidrosis? Single-center experience.

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Is there any relationship between quality of life and the level of sympathectomy in primary palmar hyperhidrosis? Single-center experience.

Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2019 Sep 21;:

Authors: Dogru MV, Sezen CB, Girgin O, Cansever L, Kocaturk CI, Metin M, Dincer SI

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The discussions at the surgical levels (sympathectomy levels) about endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) method, which is applied in hyperhidrosis treatment in the present day and acknowledged as the golden treatment method, continue. Mainly, most of the studies evaluates postoperative early period results. Our aim in this study is to compare the long-term quality of life depending on the different surgical levels (sympathectomy levels) and evaluate the postoperative complications.
METHODS: 165 patients operated due to palmar hyperhidrosis between January 2012 and July 2017 were evaluated. Sympathectomy was performed either by clipping or cauterization and sympathetic nerves included were T2-4, T3-4, or T3 levels. Data were retrospectively reviewed for complications, factors affecting the postoperative quality of life.
RESULTS: Ninety of the patients were male (54.5%) and 75 (45.5%) were female. The level of ganglion block was T2-T4 in 62 patients (37.6%), T3-T4 in 46 patients (27.9%), and T3 in 57 patients (34.5%). Early complications were observed in 27 patients (16.4%). Compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) was observed in 62 patients (37.6%). There was a significant difference in the postoperative quality of life according to ETS level (p < 0.001). Patients who underwent T2-T4 sympathectomy had a lower quality of life than patients who underwent isolated T3 or T3-T4 sympathectomy.
CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we recommend performing lower level resections to increase the long-term quality of life in palmar hyperhidrosis patients. The lower risk of CH and comparable quality of life suggest that T3 sympathectomy is more effective.

PMID: 31542862 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Analysis of the results of videotoracoscopic sympathectomy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis in patients 40 years or older.

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Analysis of the results of videotoracoscopic sympathectomy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis in patients 40 years or older.

Ann Vasc Surg. 2019 Sep 05;:

Authors: Faustino CB, Milanez de Campos JR, Kauffman P, Leiderman D, Tedde M, Cucato G, Fernandes PP, Leão PP, Wolosker N

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Several factors that could influence the efficacy and satisfaction of patients after bilateral thoracic sympathectomy (VATS) in the treatment of hyperhidrosis (HH) have been studied, but no studies in the literature have specifically analyzed the effectiveness of treatment and variations in the quality of life of patients aged 40 years or older compared to those of young adult patients (19-40 years).
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 2431 hyperhidrosis patients who underwent bilateral VATS and divided the patients into the following groups: a group <40 years old (1760 patients) and a group ≥40 years (142 patients). Variables included quality of life prior to surgery, improvement in quality of life after surgery, clinical improvement in sweating, presence of severe compensatory hyperhidrosis and general satisfaction at one month after surgery.
RESULTS: We observed that all surgical patients presented with poor or very poor quality of life before surgery, with similar proportions in both groups. In the postoperative period, we observed improvement in quality of life in more than 90% of the patients, with no significant difference noted between the two groups of patients. More than 90% of the patients in this series had great clinical improvement in the main hyperhidrosis site, with no significant difference between the two groups. Severe compensatory hyperhidrosis occurred in 23.8% of the patients in this series, with no significant difference between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients 40 years of age or older benefit just as much as younger patients from VATS performed to treat primary hyperhidrosis, presenting excellent, significant surgical results.

PMID: 31494263 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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[A retrospective study on the quality of life of patients with primary focal hyperhidrosis that underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy].

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[A retrospective study on the quality of life of patients with primary focal hyperhidrosis that underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy].

Rev Port Cir Cardiotorac Vasc. 2019 Jan-Mar;26(1):31-35

Authors: Teixeira J, Moreira R, Vieira M, Miranda JA, Mota JC

Abstract
Backgroud: Primary focal hyperhidrosis affects between 1 to 4% of the general population, with a higher prevalence in teenagers and young adults. The condition is characterized by excessive sweating in 1 or more body part, most often the palms, face, armpits and soles. This condition causes a significant negative impact on patient’s quality of life. The pathophysiology of focal hyperhidrosis is believed to be due to excessive sympathetic stimulation, and videothoracoscopic sympathectomy is a recognized form of treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the post-operative quality of life of patients who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of fifty-four patients with primary focal hyperhidrosis submitted to bilateral thoracoscopic thoracic sympathectomy at the Center of Cardiothoracic Surgery of Casa de Saúde da Boavista, between January 2011 and December 2014. The Quality of Life questionnaire and the Hyperhidrosis Severity Scale questionnaire were used to evaluate the quality of life in the pre-operative period and 3 months after surgery. Further to this, data was collected regarding medium-term follow-up by telephone. All patients underwent general anesthesia and had bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of the sympathetic chain.
RESULTS: The majority of patients are females 59.3% (32). The mean age is 30.8 ± 7.70 (between 16 and 49 years). Prior to surgery, 85% of the patients had severe hyperhidrosis. 79.6% of respondents stated that general discomfort was promoted by the condition, with the Funcional-Social domain being the most affected aspect of their life (61.1%). The rates of peri-operative complications and major post-operative complications were null, and minor complications were 5.5%. After 3 months, improvement in patient’s quality of life and satisfaction level were of 100% and 96.3% respectively, however compensatory hyperhidrosis was observed in 53.7% of patients. 57.3% of the patients reported significant improvements in the Funcional-Social domain. Medium-term follow-up (mean=6 years) allowed for the evaluation of 31 patients (57.4% of the population), of whom 77.4% maintained compensatory hyperhidrosis. 93.5% reported to be highly satisfied with the surgical results and claimed to have improved their quality of life by 93.5%. 94% and 94.4% respectively of the patients evaluated in the medium term follow-up and after 3 months and in the medium term follow-up, recommend the surgery.
CONCLUSION: Sympathectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is an effective and viable therapeutic option for primary focal hyperhidrosis patients. Despite compensatory hyperhidrosis being observed at time, this procedure produces very satisfactory results particularly in regard to the patient’s post-operative quality of life.

PMID: 31104374 [PubMed – in process]

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The Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

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The Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

Skin Therapy Lett. 2018 Jan;24(1):7

Authors: Wechter T, Feldman SR, Taylor SL

Abstract
Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a relatively common disease that has a significant impact on afflicted patient’s quality of life. The pathogenesis of the disease is thought to stem from increased cholinergic activity on eccrine sweat glands. Topical aluminum chloride based antiperspirants are good first-line agents for all affected body sites. Anticholinergic agents are emerging as effective topical alternatives. Iontophoresis passes an electrical current through the skin and is an excellent treatment option for palmoplantar disease. Botulinum toxin type A injections remain a mainstay second-line treatment. Local procedural advances including microwave thermolysis, laser therapy and focused ultrasound are emerging as safe and effective alternatives for refractory disease. Oral anticholinergics are generally well tolerated and can also be used for intractable disease. Last-line interventions include local surgical options and sympathectomy, though some patients may prefer permanent treatment. Further investigation of novel treatments as well as ways to optimize existing therapeutic options are needed.

PMID: 30817880 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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The Etiology, Diagnosis and Management of Hyperhidrosis: A Comprehensive Review. Part II. Therapeutic Options.

The Etiology, Diagnosis and Management of Hyperhidrosis: A Comprehensive Review. Part II. Therapeutic Options.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Jan 30;:

Authors: Nawrocki S, Cha J

Abstract
Hyperhidrosis (HH) is a chronic disorder of excess sweat production that may have a significant adverse effect on quality of life. A variety of treatment modalities currently exist to manage HH. Initial treatment includes lifestyle and behavioral recommendations. Antiperspirants are regarded as the first-line therapy for primary focal HH and can provide significant benefit. Iontophoresis is considered to be the primary remedy for palmar and plantar HH. Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections are administered at the dermal-subcutaneous junction and serve as a safe and effective treatment option for focal HH. Oral systemic agents are reserved for treatment-resistant cases or for generalized HH. Energy delivering devices such as lasers, ultrasound technology, microwave thermolysis, and fractional microneedle radiofrequency may also be utilized to reduce focal sweating. Surgery may be considered when more conservative treatments have failed. Local surgical techniques, particularly for axillary HH, include excision, curettage, liposuction, or a combination of these techniques. Sympathectomy is the treatment of last resort when conservative treatments are unsuccessful or intolerable, and after accepting secondary compensatory HH as a potential complication. A review of treatment modalities for HH and a sequenced approach are presented.

PMID: 30710603 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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The quality of life and satisfaction rate of patients with upper limb hyperhidrosis before and after bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

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The quality of life and satisfaction rate of patients with upper limb hyperhidrosis before and after bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

Saudi J Anaesth. 2019 Jan-Mar;13(1):16-22

Authors: Hajjar WM, Al-Nassar SA, Al-Sharif HM, Al-Olayet DM, Al-Otiebi WS, Al-Huqayl AA, Hajjar AW

Abstract
Background: Hyperhidrosis is a functional disorder identified by excessive sweating. Its incidence is approximately 1% in any population. Bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (BETS) intervention is the definitive treatment of choice for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.
Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the quality of life (QOL) and satisfaction rate of patients with upper limb hyperhidrosis before and after BETS surgery and the influence of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) on patients’ QOL after surgery.
Settings and Design: This study is a cross-sectional study designed to generate longitudinal data.
Subjects and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study designed to generate longitudinal data pre- and postbilateral BETS prospectively. This study was conducted in the surgery department of University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hundred patients with upper limb hyperhidrosis who underwent BETS from 2014 to 2017 were included. A modified and validated QOL questionnaire for hyperhidrosis was completed by the patients themselves in order to compare the QOL for patients both before and after BETS. Patients’ satisfaction and the occurrence of CH were obtained postoperatively.
Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using the SPSS® statistical package for social studies, version 22.0 (SPSS 22; IBM Corp., New York, NY, USA) for Windows®.
Results: A total of 100 patients completed the questionnaire; 94% of patients had a positive QOL outcome after the surgery. The mean decrease in QOL scores was -42.0 points toward better QOL. The site of sweating had a significant effect on the patients’ QOL before and after the surgery (P value < 0.001). Moreover, 76% of patients reported a high satisfaction rate.
Conclusion: Primary hyperhidrosis can negatively impair patients’ QOL in different domains. BETS showed to be an effective option for improving the QOL of patients and it provided both short- and long-term effectiveness in treating upper limb hyperhidrosis. CH did not interfere with the rate of patient satisfaction or their QOL postoperatively.

PMID: 30692883 [PubMed]

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CT-Guided Chemical Thoracic Sympathectomy versus Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection for Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

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CT-Guided Chemical Thoracic Sympathectomy versus Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection for Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2018 Sep 14;:

Authors: Yang H, Kang J, Zhang S, Peng K, Deng B, Cheng B

Abstract
BACKGROUND:  The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection versus thoracic sympathectomy for idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis.
METHODS:  Fifty-one patients with idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis were treated with either BTX-A injection or thoracic sympathectomy between March 2013 and April 2016. The severity of palmar hyperhidrosis was qualitatively measured via the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS). All patients completed a questionnaire that detailed the time taken for the treatment to work, local or systemic adverse effects, and pre- and post-treatment severity of hyperhidrosis. The efficacy and adverse effects of the two treatments were compared and analyzed.
RESULTS:  Hyperhidrosis-related quality of life improved quickly and significantly in the BTX-A group (26 patients) and the sympathectomy group (25 patients). Compared with pre-treatment, the HDSS score significantly reduced after treatment in both groups (p < 0.05). All patients in the sympathectomy group had cessation of sweating of the hands after treatment, and this curative effect lasted for 12 months. In contrast, the treatment took more time to work in the BTX-A group, and the curative effect lasted for a much shorter period (3 months). The sympathectomy group had a significantly lesser mean HDSS score than the BTX-A group at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months after treatment (p < 0.05). The sympathectomy group experienced more complications than the BTX-A group.
CONCLUSION:  For palmar hyperhidrosis, thoracic sympathectomy is more effective and has a longer lasting curative effect than BTX-A injection, but thoracic sympathectomy has more complications.

PMID: 30216949 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Sweaty feet in adolescents-Early use of botulinum type A toxin in juvenile plantar hyperhidrosis.

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Sweaty feet in adolescents-Early use of botulinum type A toxin in juvenile plantar hyperhidrosis.

Pediatr Dermatol. 2018 Nov;35(6):784-786

Authors: Bernhard MK, Krause M, Syrbe S

Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Plantar hyperhidrosis can have severe social effects on children and adolescents. Therapeutic options include antiperspirants and surgical interventions (eg, sympathectomy). Botulinum type A toxin is approved for axillary hyperhidrosis in adults only. The aim of the study was the determination of effect and safety of botulinum type A toxin in plantar hyperhidrosis in juvenile patients.
METHODS: Children and adolescents with idiopathic focal plantar hyperhidrosis were treated with 50-100 U of botulinum type A toxin per sole. Local anesthesia was provided using topical eutectic mixture of local anesthetics cream and ice, in combination with midazolam as an anxiolytic.
RESULTS: Fifteen patients (aged 12-17) were included in the study. Best results were achieved with a dose of 75-100 U of botulinum type A toxin per sole. Two patients did not benefit from the therapy, and 11 (73%) were satisfied with the results. Nine patients (60%) experienced pain at the injection site for a maximum duration of 3 days. One patient reported transient focal weakness for 4 weeks.
CONCLUSION: Botulinum type A toxin seems to be a safe secondary treatment option for plantar hyperhidrosis in adolescents aged 12 and older. A dose of 75-100 U per sole resulted in a good therapeutic effect of variable duration in most patients. There were no severe side effects.

PMID: 30178509 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]