Compensatory sweating after thoracoscopic sympathectomy: characteristics, prevalence and influence on patient satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
This prospective study aimed at investigating predictive factors for compensatory sweating after thoracoscopic sympathectomy.


METHODS
From 2000 to 2002, 80 patients (53 females and 27 males) underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy to treat hyperhidrosis. Patient ages ranged from 12 to 56 years, and the mean post-operative follow-up period was 42.51 +/- 5.98 months. Patient satisfaction with the results was evaluated through the use of a rating scale. The procedure was performed bilaterally: at the T2 level for facial hyperhidrosis; at the T3-T4 level for axillary hyperhidrosis; and at the T3 level for palmar hyperhidrosis.


RESULTS
Post-operatively, 68 patients (85.0%) presented compensatory sweating, which was classified as mild in 23 (33.8%), moderate in 23 (33.8%) and severe in 22 (32.4%). Considering the final surgical results, 70 patients (87.5%) were satisfied with the outcome of the operation, whereas 10 patients (12.5%) were dissatisfied. The level of patient satisfaction varied according to gender, age, body mass index (BMI) and extent of denervation. The compensatory sweating was more severe on the abdomen and back than on the legs.


CONCLUSIONS
Although compensatory sweating, which is a common adverse effect of sympathectomy, occurred in the majority of cases, the level of patient satisfaction was high. The best candidates for thoracoscopic sympathectomy are young adult women with a BMI < 24.9 kg/m(2).
Araújo
Carlos Alberto Almeida de
CA
Department of Integrated Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil. cabeto@digi.com.br
Azevedo
Italo Medeiros
IM
Ferreira
Maria Angela Fernandes
MA
Ferreira
Hylas Paiva da Costa
HP
Dantas
Jorge Lúcio Costa de Medeiros
JL
Medeiros
Aldo Cunha
AC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013562:Sympathectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D013906:Thoracoscopy; D055815:Young Adult