Effect of Radiofrequency Ablation and Comparison With Surgical Sympathectomy in Palmar Hyperhidrosis

Palmar hyperhidrosis is a distressing condition characterized by excessive palm sweating that significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgical sympathectomy are effective treatment modalities. This study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and safety profiles of RFA and surgical sympathectomy in managing palmar hyperhidrosis.

This retrospective study included 91 patients diagnosed with primary palmar hyperhidrosis who underwent either RFA or surgical sympathectomy. The primary outcome was the reduction in sweating severity. Statistical analyses were performed to compare treatment outcomes between the two groups.

Both RFA and surgical sympathectomy significantly reduced Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale scores; however, surgical sympathectomy demonstrated greater symptom reduction at six months (p = 0.01) and 12 months (p = 0.002). Patients in the sympathectomy group reported a longer symptom relief duration (11.8 ± 3.1 vs. 9.2 ± 2.5 months, p = 0.003) and greater improvement in QoL scores at 12 months (p = 0.02). The incidence of compensatory sweating was higher in the sympathectomy group (34.0%, n = 16 vs. 18.2%, n = 8, p = 0.08), whereas recurrence of hyperhidrosis was more frequent in the RFA group (27.3%, n = 12 vs. 10.6%, n = 5, p = 0.03).

Both RFA and surgical sympathectomy effectively reduce sweating severity in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis. While sympathectomy provides longer-lasting symptom relief and greater QoL improvement, it is associated with a higher incidence of compensatory sweating.