title: Quality of life evaluation following endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy for upper limb and facial hyperhydrosis.
abstract: In this prospective cohort study, the outcome of bilateral endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy (ETS) was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. 10 consecutive patients who underwent two-stage bilateral ETS for primary hyperhydrosis were assessed. Two patients had concomitant facial blushing. Symptomatic improvement was achieved in all patients. Statistical analysis (one-tailed Wilcoxon rank test) demonstrates a significant (p < 0.05) step-wise improvement in quality of life after each stage. This has not previously been described for two-stage bilateral ETS and confirms the suitability of this technique in the definitive management of refractory primary hyperhydrosis.
authors.affiliation: The Hillingdon Vascular Unit, Hillingdon Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Swan
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Paes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000294:innervation*; D004724:Endoscopy; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D015171:Ganglionectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life