Reduction in osmidrosis using a suction-assisted cartilage shaver improves the quality of life.
BACKGROUND
Axillary osmidrosis is a benign disorder that causes functional and emotional problems in Asian patients. Surgical treatments have proven effective in treating this disease, but changes in quality of life after surgical procedures have not been investigated so far.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate quality of life in patients with osmidrosis before and after surgery with suction-assisted cartilage shaver using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).


METHODS
Seventy patients with axillary osmidrosis (aged 14-49, 8 men and 62 women) who were treated using a suction-assisted cartilage shaver at the Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, from May 2006 to November 2008 were included. Patients completed the DLQI before and 6 to 35 (mean 18.3) months after treatment. Scores for patient satisfaction and improvement were also investigated.


RESULTS
Mean DLQI score before treatment was 11.3 (range 5-27). After 6 to 35 (mean 18.3) months of postoperative follow-up, DLQI scores (mean 0.8, range 0-4) declined significantly (93% reduction). Fifty-nine patients (84.2%) reported odor reduction of 90% or more; 24 patients (34.3%) were greatly satisfied, and 41 were (58.6%) absolutely satisfied with this procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data demonstrate that the suction-assisted cartilage shaver can greatly improve functional and social disabilities in patients with axillary osmidrosis. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
Huang
Yu-Huei
YH
Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Yang
Chih-Hsun
CH
Chen
Yi-Hua
YH
Chen
Chien-Hsun
CH
Lee
Shih-Hung
SH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D013396:Suction; D055815:Young Adult