Can we predict the compensatory hyperhidrosis following a thoracic sympathectomy?

Can we predict the compensatory hyperhidrosis following a thoracic sympathectomy?

Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2019 Apr;35(2):190-195

Authors: Kara M, Kose S, Cayirci CE, Koksal A

Abstract
Background: Primary hyperhidrosis is a functionally and socially disabling condition resulting in social embarrassment and low quality of life. Thoracic sympathectomy is a definitive choice of treatment with favorable results. However, patients may face another embarrassing condition following surgery as compensatory hyperhidrosis which has no definitive treatment. The predictors of compensatory hyperhidrosis are controversial and remain unclear.
Patients and methods: A total of 74 patients underwent a videothoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis. We statistically analyzed our patients with correlations and uni-multivariate logistic regression models to outline the possible predictors of compensatory hyperhidrosis.
Results: A total of 45 (60.8%) patients had compensatory hyperhidrosis. The correlations showed that patients, with age greater than 21 years (P = 0.018), with body mass index (BMI) greater than 22 kg / m2 (P = 0.045), with isolated facial hyperhidrosis (P = 0.044), and with smoking status (P = 0.015), had significantly greater rates of compensatory hyperhidrosis. Similarly, the significant univariate predictors of compensatory hyperhidrosis were age > 21 (P = 0.020), BMI > 22 kg / m2 (P = 0.048), and the presence of smoking status (P = 0.015). Multivariate analysis revealed only smoking as a predictor within the threshold of significance (P = 0.078).
Conclusion: The clinical predictors of compensatory hyperhidrosis following a thoracic sympathectomy appear as older age, greater body mass index, and smoking.

PMID: 33061004 [PubMed]

Diagnosis, impact and management of hyperhidrosis including endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

Diagnosis, impact and management of hyperhidrosis including endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

Med J Malaysia. 2020 Sep;75(5):555-560

Authors: Ho YL, Fauzi M, Sothee K, Basheer A

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Hyperhidrosis is a disorder of excessive and uncontrollable sweating beyond the body’s physiological needs. It can be categorised into primary or secondary hyperhidrosis based on its aetiology. Detailed history review including onset of symptoms, laterality of disease and family history are crucial which may suggest primary hyperhidrosis. Secondary causes such as neurological diseases, endocrine disorders, haematological malignancies, neuroendocrine tumours and drugs should be adequately examined and investigated prior to deciding on further management. The diagnosis of primary hyperhidrosis should only be made only after excluding secondary causes. Hyperhidrosis is a troublesome disorder that often results in social, professional, and psychological distress in sufferers. It remains, however, a treatment dilemma among some healthcare providers in this region.
METHODS: The medical records and clinical outcomes of 35 patients who underwent endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis from 2008 to 2018 in Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery were reviewed.
RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 27±10.1years, with male and female distribution of 18 and 17, respectively. Fifty-one percent of patients complained of palmar hyperhidrosis, while 35% of them had concurrent palmaraxillary and 14% had palmar-plantar-axillary hyperhidrosis. Our data showed that 77% (n=27) of patients were not investigated for secondary causes of hyperhidrosis, and they were not counselled on the non-surgical therapies. All patients underwent single-staged bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. There was resolution of symptoms in all 35 (100%) patients with palmar hyperhidrosis, 13(76%) patients with axillary hyperhidrosis and only 2 (50%) patients with plantar hyperhidrosis. Postoperatively 34.3% (n=12) of patients reported compensatory hyperhidrosis. There were no other complications such as pneumothorax, chylothorax, haemothorax and Horner’s Syndrome.
CONCLUSION: Clinical evaluation of hyperhidrosis in local context has not been well described, which may inadvertently result in the delay of appropriate management, causing significant social and emotional embarrassment and impair the quality of life of the subjects. Detailed clinical assessment and appropriate timely treatment, be it surgical or non-surgical therapies, are crucial in managing this uncommon yet distressing disease.

PMID: 32918426 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

A retrospective cohort study of T3 versus T4 thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis and primary palmar hyperhidrosis with axillary and plantar sweating.

A retrospective cohort study of T3 versus T4 thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis and primary palmar hyperhidrosis with axillary and plantar sweating.

Wideochir Inne Tech Maloinwazyjne. 2020 Sep;15(3):488-495

Authors: Xie H, Lu T, Zhu Y, Zhu D, Wei T, Yuan G, Yang Y, Liu X

Abstract
Introduction: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy (TS) has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PH). However, the complications include compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH), and over-dry hands may occur in some patients after TS.
Aim: To compare the therapeutic effect of T3 and T4 TS on primary PH and primary PH with axillary and plantar sweating.
Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 100 patients with PH who had undergone T3 (group A, n = 49) or T4 (group B, n = 51) TS in our department, with at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up.
Results: At discharge, no major complications or deaths occurred in either group. The condition of sweaty hands was fully improved in 44 of 49 patients in group A and all patients in group B, with a significant difference (p = 0.031). After 12 months of follow-up, 18 (36.7%) patients in group A and 4 (7.8%) patients in group B developed CH, 16 (48.5%) patients in group A and 24 (77.4%) patients in group B had improved axillary sweating, with a significant difference (p < 0.05). The satisfaction rate of group B was significantly higher than that of group A (p < 0.01).
Conclusions: Both T3 and T4 TS were safe and effective treatments for PH patients, but the incidence of CH in T4 TS was lower than that in T3 TS. T3 TS may be more suitable for patients with severe PH, while T4 TS had a better therapeutic effect on PH patients with axillary sweating.

PMID: 32904609 [PubMed]

A retrospective review on minimally invasive technique via endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) in the treatment of severe primary hyperhidrosis: Experiences from the National Heart Institute, Malaysia.

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A retrospective review on minimally invasive technique via endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) in the treatment of severe primary hyperhidrosis: Experiences from the National Heart Institute, Malaysia.

F1000Res. 2018;7:670

Authors: Musa AF, Gandhi VP, Dillon J, Nordin RB

Abstract
Background: Hyperhidrosis is due to the hyperactive autonomic stimulation of the sweat glands in response to stress. Primary hyperhidrosis is a common yet psychologically disabling condition. This study will describe our experience in managing hyperhidrosis via endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). Methods: The information was obtained from the patient records from 1 st January 2011 until 31 st December 2016. Pertinent information was extracted and keyed into a study proforma. Results:  150 patients were operated on but only 118 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 22.9±7.3 years. The majority (54.2%) had palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis and 39.8% had associated axillary hyperhidrosis. Excision of the sympathetic nerve chain and ganglia were the main surgical technique with the majority (55.9%) at T2-T3 level. Mean ETS procedure time was 46.6±14.29 minutes with no conversion. Surgical complications were minimal and no Horner’s Syndrome reported. Mean hospital stay was 3.5±1.05 days. The majority of patients (67.8%) had only one follow-up and only half of the study sample (58.5%) complained mild to moderate degree of compensatory sweating, even though the long-term resolution is yet to be determined by another study. Following ETS, 98.3% of patients had instant relief and resolved their palmar hyperhidrosis. Predictors of CS were sympathectomy level and follow-up. The odds of reporting CS was 2.87 times in patients undergoing ETS at the T2-T3 level compared to those undergoing ETS at the T2-T4 level. The odds of reporting CS was 13.56 times in patients having more than one follow-up compared to those having only one follow-up. Conclusion: We conclude that ETS is a safe, effective and aesthetically remarkable procedure for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis  with only half of the patients developing mild to moderate degree of CS. Significant predictors of CS were sympathectomy level during ETS and frequency of follow-up after ETS.

PMID: 32724556 [PubMed]

[Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy for Palmar and Axillary Hyperhidrosis].

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[Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy for Palmar and Axillary Hyperhidrosis].

Zentralbl Chir. 2020 Jul 23;:

Authors: Rohleder S, Münsterer O, Gödeke J

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This video is a step-by-step description of thoracoscopic sympathectomy.
INDICATION: Sweating is essential for thermoregulation. Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excess sweating from the eccrine glands and is associated with severe suffering for patients of all ages. It often worsens during adolescence. A generalised and focal type of hyperhidrosis which affects mainly the face, armpits, hands and feet can be distinguished from the focal variant. Thoracic sympathectomy has become the standard treatment for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis worldwide.
METHODS: The procedure is performed in the supine position with the upper body elevated about 30° in an adolescent patient. Both arms are abducted at 90° and single tube endotracheal ventilation is employed. A 3 mm trocar is placed in the anterior axillary line for a 3 mm 30° optic. A 5 mm trocar placed on the anterior axillary line (or breast fold in female patients) of the 4th or 5th intercostal space is used for the bipolar forceps. The sympathetic trunk and ganglia T 2 - 4 are identified and coagulated over the heads of ribs.
CONCLUSION: The thoracoscopic approach to focal palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis allows clear identification of the sympathetic structures on each side. Under direct vision, selective ablation of the ganglia and sympathetic trunk provides long-term benefit for patients.

PMID: 32702765 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Modified R5-R8 thoracic sympathectomy for severe compensatory hyperhidrosis: How to Do It.

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Modified R5-R8 thoracic sympathectomy for severe compensatory hyperhidrosis: How to Do It.

Ann Thorac Surg. 2020 Jul 17;:

Authors: Vasconcelos CFM, Aguiar WS, Cordeiro GG, Silveira KC, Moreira RS, Lisboa DL, Ferraz ÁAB

Abstract
Compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) is the most frequent complication after thoracic sympathectomy (TS) applied in the treatment of localized hyperhidrosis. It affects the quality of life in patients, especially in social, professional and affective spheres. The present study aims to describe the operative technique of bilateral TS from R5 to R8 by videothoracoscopy as an optimized resolution of CH. R5-R8 technique allows shorter surgical time, better ergonomics, more satisfactory aesthetic outcome and reduction of postoperative morbidity. Severe CH treatment remains a challenge.

PMID: 32687829 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

To avoid compensatory hyperhidrosis after sympathetic surgery for craniofacial hyperhidrosis.

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To avoid compensatory hyperhidrosis after sympathetic surgery for craniofacial hyperhidrosis.

J Thorac Dis. 2020 May;12(5):2529-2535

Authors: Moon DH, Kang DY, Lee HS, Lee JW, Lee YJ, Lee S

Abstract
Background: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) has not been widely adopted for treating craniofacial hyperhidrosis (CFH) due to its known postoperative complication, compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH). In this study, we evaluated whether the autonomic nerve analysis data via pre-ETS heart rate variability (HRV) test can predict post-ETS CH in patients with CFH.
Methods: From October 2017 to March 2019, we consecutively included CFH patients who underwent ETS and received preoperative HRV. In this prospective observational study, we evaluated those who developed CH 3 months postoperatively. The CH grades were categorized into none, mild, moderate, and severe.
Results: A total of 53 patients were included; the mean age was 42.5±13.2 years, and there were 41 males (77.4%). Twenty-six (49.1%) patients had a post-ETS CH grade of greater than moderate (moderate and severe). We further classified the group into trivial and serious compensation, based on the CH grade for comparison. Among the various HRV values, low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) value was the only one that achieved statistical significance (P=0.025). Moreover, among those in the trivial compensatory group, 23 (85.2%) patients had an LF/HF value between 0.66 and 2.60, and therefore, were included in the autonomic balanced group. On the other hand, among those in the serious compensatory group, 24 patients (92.3%) had an LF/HF value of less than 0.66 and greater than 2.60, and thus, in the autonomic dysfunction group.
Conclusions: According to the present study, HRV test, especially the HF/LF value, appears to be a useful test in predicting post-ETS serious CH.

PMID: 32642160 [PubMed]

Association between Reflux Esophagitis Incidence and Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

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Association between Reflux Esophagitis Incidence and Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jun 23;17(12):

Authors: Cheng CG, Chien WC, Yu CP, Chung CH, Cheng CA

Abstract
The autonomic dysfunction in palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) includes not only sympathetic overactivity but also parasympathetic impairment. A decrease of parasympathetic tone has been noted in gastroesophageal reflux disease of neonates and adults. Patients with reflux esophagitis have a defective anti-reflux barrier. The association between reflux esophagitis and PH is deliberated in this article. The National Health Insurance Database in Taiwan was used. At first-time visits, PH patients were identified by the International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification disease code of 780.8 without endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. Patients were matched by age and gender as control groups. The reflux esophagitis incidence was assessed using disease codes 530.11, 530.81, and 530.85. The factors related to reflux esophagitis were established by the Cox proportional regression model. The risk of reflux esophagitis in PH patients had a hazard ratio of 3.457 (95% confidence interval: 3.043-3.928) after adjustment of the other factors. We confirmed the association between reflux esophagitis and PH. Health care providers must be alerted to this relationship and other risk factors of reflux esophagitis to support suitable treatments to improve the quality of life of patients.

PMID: 32585882 [PubMed – in process]

Bilateral R5-R8 sympathectomy for compensatory hyperhidrosis: complications and patient satisfaction.

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Bilateral R5-R8 sympathectomy for compensatory hyperhidrosis: complications and patient satisfaction.

Rev Col Bras Cir. 2020;47:e20202398

Authors: Vasconcelos CFM, Aguiar WS, Tavares RM, Barbosa A, Cordeiro GG, Oliveira FSC, Ferraz ÁAB

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients who had undergone bilateral thoracic sympathectomy from R5 to R8 as a treatment for severe and debilitating compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH).
METHODS: Twelve patients with severe and debilitating compensatory hyperhidrosis underwent extended sympathectomy (R5-R8) from September 2016 to May 2019 at the Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil. Outcomes such as the level of patient satisfaction with the operation, quality of life scores as well as postoperative complications were assessed.
RESULTS: There has been a substantial improvement in the quality of life score of 66% of the sample. In all four domains, a statistical significant difference was seen, regarding the relief of compensatory hyperhidrosis symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: Extended sympathectomy from R5 to R8 was shown to be quite effective in most cases, leading us to believe that this approach could be a therapeutic option for severe compensatory hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 32555962 [PubMed – in process]

Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy versus modified Wittmoser method in surgical management of primary hyperhidrosis.

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Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy versus modified Wittmoser method in surgical management of primary hyperhidrosis.

J Cardiothorac Surg. 2020 Jun 10;15(1):133

Authors: Divisi D, Zaccagna G, Imbriglio G, Di Francescantonio W, De Vico A, Barone M, Crisci R

Abstract
PURPOSES: We compared two different surgical methods evaluating the effectiveness of procedures and the quality of life (QoL) of patients.
METHODS: From January 2010 to November 2017 we carried out 476 biportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approaches of sympathetic chain in 238 patients. One hundred and twenty-nine (54%) patients underwent conventional sympathectomy (CS) while 109 (46%) patients underwent sympathicotomy associated with the division of the rami communicantes (MWT). Quality of Life (QoL) was classified as follows: from 20 to 35 excellent; from 36 to 51 very good; from 52 to 68 good; from 69 to 84 poor; and > 84 very poor.
RESULTS: We noticed statistical significant reduction of complications comparing CS with MWT approaches (chest pain from 36.4 to 4.5%; paresthesias from 8.5 to 3.6%; bradycardia from 28.6 to 10%, respectively). The preoperative and postoperative QoL index evaluation revealed a statistically significant improvement after surgery (CS: 86 ± 2 versus 35 ± 1, p = 0.00001; MWT: 85 ± 1 versus 33 ± 2, p = 0.00001), with general satisfaction of the two techniques.
CONCLUSION: Modified Wittmoser method seems to be a valid alternative to conventional sympathectomy, minimizing the percentage rate of complications and showing significant effectiveness in the quality of life improvement.

PMID: 32522214 [PubMed – in process]