Is There a Risk of Recurrence That Would Discourage Sympathicotomy for Hyperhidrosis in Minors?

Area of Science:

• Surgery
• Adolescent Medicine
• Dermatology

Background:

• Primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) significantly impacts adolescents socially.
• Surgical timing for PPH is debated due to potential recurrence in younger patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the recurrence rate of sympathicotomy for PPH in patients under 18.
• To assess compensatory sweating and patient satisfaction following surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 28 patients (<18 years) undergoing sympathicotomy for PPH (HDSS class 4).
• Data collected on recurrence, compensatory sweating, and satisfaction over a median 75-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Recurrence rate was 10.71% at median follow-up.
• Compensatory sweating occurred in 22 patients (60.7% mild).
• Median patient satisfaction score was 9.34/10.

Conclusions:

• Long-term data in minors align with adult cohorts regarding PPH management and recurrence.
• Sympathicotomy is a viable surgical option for adolescent PPH, even at a young age.
• Low recurrence and high satisfaction support early surgical intervention for PPH.