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Achieving high patient satisfaction after sympathectomy through preoperative thoracoscopic sympathetic nerve block in primary hyperhidrosis

J Thorac Dis. 2025 Apr 30;17(4):2050-2055. doi: 10.21037/jtd-2024-2145. Epub 2025 Apr 21.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) is a frequent complication following sympathectomy, influencing patient satisfaction. This study was established to evaluate the impact of bilateral thoracoscopic sympathetic nerve block (TSNB) on patient satisfaction after sympathectomy in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis.

METHODS: From March 2021 to August 2023, 52 patients with primary palmar and craniofacial hyperhidrosis underwent TSNB at T3 using a 2-mm thoracoscope under local anesthesia. One week later, they decided whether to proceed with sympathectomy. Satisfaction was assessed using a 100-point scale, and patients were divided into two groups based on CH occurrence after sympathectomy. The groups were compared in terms of sex, age, hyperhidrosis site, and satisfaction scores.

RESULTS: Among 52 patients who underwent TSNB, 35 (67.31%) proceeded to sympathectomy, and CH occurred in 18 (51.43%) of these patients, while the remaining 17 patients (48.57%) did not develop CH. No significant differences were observed between the CH and no-CH groups regarding age (26.61±9.02 vs. 25.41±10.09 years, P=0.66), sex (61.11% vs. 52.94% male, P=0.88), or primary hyperhidrosis site (palmar: 77.78% vs. 88.24%, P=0.66). Satisfaction scores were comparable between the CH group (92.50±7.33) and the no-CH group (96.18±4.52), with no statistically significant difference (P=0.15).

CONCLUSIONS: Sympathectomy is associated with a high incidence of CH. Through TSNB, patients could preoperatively experience potential effects, including CH, enabling informed surgical decisions. Patients who developed CH reported high satisfaction levels comparable to those without CH, underscoring the utility of TSNB in improving patient-centered outcomes.

PMID:40400983 | PMC:PMC12090137 | DOI:10.21037/jtd-2024-2145

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A Comparative Study of Aluminum Chloride, Oxybutynin Chloride, and Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

J Cutan Med Surg. 2025 May 21:12034754251336233. doi: 10.1177/12034754251336233. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperhidrosis (HH) is a common challenging problem. Different treatment modalities are present with no clear evidence favoring one modality over the others.

OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare the efficacy of aluminum chloride hexahydrate (ACH), oxybutynin chloride, and botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A) in treating primary focal HH.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients of both sexes, with primary HH, were equally and randomly divided into 3 groups. Group (A) received a single session of intradermal (BTX-A), Group (B) received topical application of ACH lotion 25% once daily, and Group (C) received oral oxybutynin chloride 10 mg daily for 3 months. The clinical response was assessed using the Hyperhidrosis Severity Scale (HDSS) and the patients were followed up for 6 months.

RESULTS: The 3 modalities were effective and safe in the treatment of primary HH, but the clinical response was significantly higher in the BTX-A group (81.8% excellent response) compared to the other 2 modalities. The reduction of hyperhidrosis was also maintained for a longer period in the BTX-A group.

CONCLUSION: Among the 3 modalities, BTX-A was associated with a higher reduction of HDSS scores. A single session was sufficient; however, pain and high cost are limiting factors.

PMID:40396355 | DOI:10.1177/12034754251336233

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Global research trends and hotspots of hyperhidrosis: a bibliometric analysis (2008-2023)

Front Surg. 2025 Apr 22;12:1559951. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2025.1559951. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated significant advancements in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. However, a bibliometric analysis of relevant studies in this field is notably lacking. This study aims to provide a detailed analysis of research trends and key areas of interest in hyperhidrosis over the last 16 years using bibliometric methods.

METHODS: We searched the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database for hyperhidrosis-related publications from 2008 to 2023 and conducted bibliometric analysis using VOS viewer and the R package “bibliometrix.”

RESULTS: The main research institutions involved in this study are the University of São Paulo, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Yonsei University and Fujian Medical University, with a total of 728 articles included from 52 countries. Authors from these institutions have published in top journals, with Dermatologic Surgery being the most popular journal and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology being the most cited. A total of 2,830 authors have contributed to this field, with prominent researchers including Nelson Wolosker, Paulo Kauffman, Pedro Puech-Leão, Jose Ribas Milanez de Campos, and Dee Anna Glaser. Nelson Wolosker stands out as the most co-cited author. The primary focus of research in this area is on the treatment of hyperhidrosis and the prevention of post-operative complications. Emerging re-search hotspots include keywords such as “botulinum toxin,” “oxybutynin,” “sympathectomy,” “iontophoresis,” and “compensatory sweating”.

CONCLUSION: The most prevalent academic emphasis within this field remains the treatment of hyperhidrosis and the management of compensatory hyperhidrosis. Despite this academic preponderance, there is a compelling necessity to foster enhanced collaboration and exchange between disparate countries and institutions.

PMID:40330089 | PMC:PMC12052815 | DOI:10.3389/fsurg.2025.1559951

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Case Report: Single-port thoracoscopic surgery for severe primary palmar hyperhidrosis in a 9-year-old child

Front Med (Lausanne). 2025 Apr 15;12:1542064. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1542064. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) is a somatic condition characterized by excessive sweating of the hands. It mainly affects adolescents and young adults and is rarely observed among children. This condition significantly impairs patients’ academic performance, daily activities, and social interactions and can even lead to insurmountable psychological burdens. Surgical intervention for PPH is typically reserved for individuals aged 16 years and older, as compensatory hyperhidrosis occurs at a high rate (65%) postoperatively among children younger than 14 years. Therefore, the decision for surgery is controversial and has been rarely documented in the literature. Here, we report a 9-year-old child with a 3-year history of bilateral palmar hyperhidrosis. Conservative treatment with medications for 6 months led to no improvement. The patient had signs of low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and aversion to school, alongside recurrent skin damage at the fingertips. Both the child and parents expressed a strong desire for effective treatment. Single-port endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) was conducted after comprehensive risk disclosure and obtaining informed consent from the parents, achieving remarkable therapeutic outcomes. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient exhibited no recurrence of symptoms, no compensatory hyperhidrosis, and no complications, such as Horner’s syndrome. Both hands remained warm and dry, the lesions of fingertip skin healed, and the patient’s personality became noticeably more positive. Furthermore, the surgical incision was aesthetically pleasing.

PMID:40303365 | PMC:PMC12037579 | DOI:10.3389/fmed.2025.1542064

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Investigation and analysis of personality characteristics of primary palmar hyperhidrosis patients: a cross-sectional observational study

Eur J Med Res. 2025 Apr 23;30(1):323. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-02575-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) may exhibit distinct personality traits that influence their perception of the condition. These traits can manifest as heightened sensitivity to physical symptoms, as well as feelings of anxiety or depression, especially in social settings.

METHODS: This study is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study aimed to evaluate and analyze the personality characteristics of patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis using the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-Version 4 (PDQ-4). This study explored the relationships between personality traits and various factors, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), onset age, the age when symptoms began to impact daily life (Impact age), the choice of thoracic sympathectomy nerve segment, and postoperative satisfaction. The study enrolled primary palmar hyperhidrosis patients treated at the Thoracic Surgery Department of Beijing Haidian Hospital between 2016 and 2021, with a total of 791 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. Statistical analyses, such as the Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test, were conducted using SPSS 26.0 to investigate associations between personality traits and various variables.

RESULTS: Primary palmar hyperhidrosis patients exhibited a higher prevalence of personality disorders at 16.18% compared to the general population, which ranges from 6.1 to 9.5%. Male patients exhibited a statistically significantly higher prevalence of schizoid, narcissistic, and antisocial personality disorders compared to female patients (P < 0.05). Furthermore, postoperative satisfaction among patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis declined over time, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Notably, primary palmar hyperhidrosis patient comorbid personality disorders experienced a more pronounced decline in satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis demonstrate a relatively high prevalence of personality disorders.

PMID:40269968 | DOI:10.1186/s40001-025-02575-7