Compensatory hyperhidrosis is the most common complication and the major reason for patient dissatisfaction with the procedure. In a recent report on the complications
experienced by
72 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis treated with transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy, all patients except one complained of compensatory hyperhidrosis, with 41.7% complaining of moderate hyperhidrosis and
43.1% severe!
In this study, 11 patients were not able to accept the consequences of compensatory hyperhidrosis, even though their palms had become dry postoperatively. Compensatory hyperhidrosis following sympathectomy can be far more life disrupting than palmar hyperhidrosis in that afflicted individuals may have to change sweat-soaked clothing five or six times per day. Moran states it quite succinctly: Complications related to the surgical approach, such as Horner's syndrome, brachial plexus injuries, pneumothorax, and painful scars may occur, while following sympathectomy compensatory hyperhidrosis is usual and hyperhidrosis may recur.
TREATMENT OF HYPERHIDROSIS
- Lewis P. Stolman MD, FRCP(C)
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School; and the Dermatology and Laser Center of Northern New Jersey, Livingston, New JerseyDermatologic ClinicsVolume 16 • Number 4 • October 1998