Quality of life after videothoracic simpathectomy in patients with primary hyperhidrosis

Introduction: Primary hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating that exceeds the physiological needs to maintain thermal homeostasis of the body. This study aims to assess the change in quality of life of patients operated on videothoracoscopic sympathectomy. Materials and Methods: We included all patients operated with this technique in the period between 2004 and 2010, in FACh Hospital. A standardized cuestionary was used to measure severity of hyperhidrosis and quality of life during pre and postoperative. Results: 61 patients, 57% female and mean age of 25 years. Preoperative sweating was barely tolerable or unacceptable in 81%, and preoperative quality of life was poor or very poor in 82% of patients. After surgery sweating was never noticed or tolerable at 85% and the quality of life was better in 84% of patients. 78% of patients developed compensatory sweating; however the 87% were satisfied with the outcome of surgery. Conclusion: Videothoracoscopic sympathectomy offers excellent results that are measurable in terms of improvement of quality of life, but often associated with the phenomenon of compensatory sweating. Despite the development of this sequel, the majorities of operated patients are satisfied with the surgical results and improve their quality of life.