Plantar hyperhidrosis associated with primary palmar hyperhidrosis: Outcome following video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy

Abstract

Introduction Primary palmar hyperhidrosis is an abnormal over-sweating of palms. It is usually associated with plantar hyperhidrosis. Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy is the treatment of choice for palmar hyperhidrosis; however, it may affect plantar hyperhidrosis. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of thoracoscopic sympathectomy on plantar hyperhidrosis. Methods This prospective study included patients who presented to the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department with primary palmo-planter hyperhidrosis and received thoracoscopic sympathectomy between January 2014 and December 2018. Preoperatively, patients scored subjectively the degree of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis on Visual Analogue Scale. Following surgery, scoring was performed at three intervals: 7, 30, and 180 days. Presence of compensatory sweating and its scoring was obtained at the same intervals. Complications and patient satisfaction were recorded. Results A total of 518 patients were included. Complication rate, excluding compensatory hyperhidrosis, was 2.7%. Preoperative Visual Analogue Scale score for palmar hyperhidrosis was 9.9 ± 3.8 that following thoracoscopic sympathectomy decreased to 0.041 ± 0.2 on the seventh postoperative day. Further decrease to 0.3 ± 0.16 was noted on the 30th day and 180th day postoperatively. Preoperative Visual Analogue Scale score for plantar hyperhidrosis was 9.54 ± 0.66 that following sympathectomy decreased to 2.27 ± 1.67 on the seventh postoperative day. However, slight insignificant increase was noted to become 2.73 ± 1.65 on the 30th day and 6th month postoperatively. Compensatory hyperhidrosis was recorded in 3.9% of patients at 6th month postoperatively. Conclusion Palmar hyperhidrosis is usually associated with plantar hyperhidrosis. Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is an effective and safe treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. It may completely or partially cure plantar hyperhidrosis.