The relationship between preoperative psychological evaluation and compensatory sweating.

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Psychology
• Surgery

Background:

• Primary palmar hyperhidrosis is a condition causing excessive sweating in the palms.
• Surgical intervention, such as sympathectomy, is a common treatment for hyperhidrosis.
• Postoperative compensatory sweating is a frequent side effect impacting patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between preoperative psychological states and the incidence/severity of compensatory sweating after sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis.
• To identify psychological factors that may predict or influence the development of compensatory sweating.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 55 patients undergoing R4+R3 bypass transection for primary palmar hyperhidrosis were surveyed preoperatively.
• Psychological states were assessed using standardized scales, including those for depression (SDS) and anxiety (SAS).
• Spearman's rank-order correlation was used to analyze the relationship between psychological scores and postoperative compensatory sweating severity.

Main Results:

• Compensatory sweating occurred in 67.3% of patients, predominantly mild (56.4%) or moderate (10.9%).
• No significant correlation was found between preoperative depression (SDS) or anxiety (SAS) scores and compensatory sweating.
• A significant positive correlation was observed between the psychoticism scale and the severity of compensatory sweating, indicating higher psychoticism leads to more severe sweating.

Conclusions:

• Patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis may exhibit mild to moderate psychological distress.
• Personality traits, specifically higher psychoticism, are linked to increased compensatory sweating post-surgery.
• Understanding these psychological factors is crucial for managing patient expectations and improving surgical satisfaction.