Results of thoracoscopic sympathectomy for the treatment of axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis with respect to compensatory hyperhidrosis and dry hands

Background: We examined the results of thoracoscopic sympathectomy (TS) for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis with respect to operative method, symptom control, patient satisfaction and complications. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patient records with mail and telephone questionnaire follow-up of 55 patients (15 men) with a median age of 26 years (range, 15-52) who underwent TS between February 1994 and December 2001. Results: There were no differences in complication rates between those having bilateral TS (n = 23) and those having unilateral procedures (n = 20) with a median follow-up of 21 months (range, 2-94). Forty-three patients returned questionnaires (response rate, 78%). Forty patients (93%) were satisfied with the results. Thirty-four patients (79%) noted compensatory hyperhidrosis and 22 (51%) excessively dry hands. Conclusion: Despite high rates of compensatory sweating, the majority of patients are very satisfied with the results. The high rate of excessively dry hands is a previously unreported finding and important to discuss when obtaining consent.