[Endoscopic sympathectomy for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis: results in 107 patients]

Transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis is a safe and effective method. However, no radical and definite treatment exists for plantar hyperhidrosis. We report our experience, immediate post-operative and mid-term results after transthoracic and lumbar endoscopic sympathectomy for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis.

One hundred and seven of 117 patients cured between January 94 and December 98, answered a questionnaire regarding their past history, the early post-operative results, side effects and complications caused by the operation and mid-term results with particular emphasis on patient satisfaction.

Seventy-eight thoracic and lumbar endoscopic sympathectomies and 125 thoracic endoscopic sympathectomies were performed. The patients were 30 men (median age 30 years) and 77 women (median age 26 years). Only women underwent lumbar endoscopic sympathectomy because of risk of retrograde ejaculation. No severe complications were noted. The success rate was 96 p. 100 for palmar hyperhidrosis and 98,5 p. 100 for plantar hyperhidrosis. No recurrences were noted in 97 p. 100 of the patients with median follow-up of 28 months. The main side effect was compensatory sweating which was the reason for dissatisfaction for 5 p. 100 of the patients. Cutaneous dryness and gustatory sweating were also described. However, 95 p. 100 of the patients were "satisfied" or "very satisfied".

Our experience proved that lumbar endoscopic sympathectomy is as safe and effective for treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis, as thoracic endoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.