title: Evaluation of the impact of transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy on patients with palmar hyperhydrosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We assessed the impact of transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy (TES) on the quality of life of patients with palmar hyperhydrosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective questionnaire based study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients undergoing TES at our institution between 1997 and 2002 received a SF-36 quality of life postal questionnaire. The pre- and post-operative symptoms were assessed. Statistical analysis was by means of the Student's t test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety-four TES were carried out in 62 patients. Forty-one cases were female. The age range was 17-64 years. The mean follow-up period was 38.46 months. Mean hospital stay was 3 days. Compensatory hyperhydrosis was reported in 29 cases and only considered severe in four cases (9.7%). Forty-one patients replied to the questionnaire (66%). The overall quality of life (as assessed by the SF-36 form) was unanimously improved (p<0.0009) and demonstrated significant improvements in social functioning (p<0.0002), physical role limitations (p<0.0007), emotional well-being (p<0.0007) and overall energy levels (p<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TES resulted in significant improvements inpatient's overall quality of life, social and emotional functioning. The procedure is associated with minimal morbidity and only a short inpatient stay is required. Patients should be cautioned on the possibility of compensatory hyperhydrosis which may occur in a small number of cases.
authors: Department of Vascular Surgery, St Vincents University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland.
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Young
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Neary
authors: T V
authors: TV
authors: Keaveny
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Mehigan
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Sheehan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000601:surgery*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013562:Sympathectomy; D013900:Thoracic Nerves / Q000601:surgery*; D013906:Thoracoscopy; D016896:Treatment Outcome