A prospective cohort study on quality of life after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis

Background. Hyperhidrosis is an excessive sweating disorder affecting quality of life. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), introduced by Kux in 1951, is currently the gold standard surgical treatment for primary hyperhidrosis. 75% of patients with primary hyperhidrosis have seen improvement in quality of life within 30 days after surgery. Compensatory hyperhidrosis and pneumothorax (up to 75%) have been reported in patients after surgery. This study evaluates the functional status, self- esteem, compensatory hyperhidrosis and quality of life among patient with primary hyperhidrosis before and after undergoing ETS. Method. Fifty (n=50) patients between the ages 18 to 30, with primary hyperhidrosis were recruited. Patients answered the quality of life questionnaire and Rosenberg self-esteem questionnaire prior to surgery and 30 days post surgery on follow up. Any post-operative complications were documented. Telephone interviews were held for patients who were unable to attend the clinics for follow-up. Results. Forty six patients (92%) had symptomatic relieve within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of compensatory sweating was 78% (39 patients), with 6 patients developing severe hyperhidrosis. Two patients who did not experience symptomatic relieve, developed compensatory hyperhidrosis. Pneumothorax was documented in 8 patients (16%), with 6 patients requiring chest tubes. Significant improvement in quality of life and self-esteem was seen among patients after surgery Conclusion. ETS has shown to significantly improve the quality of life and self-esteem of patients with primary hyperhidrosis within 30 days of surgery. However, the rate of compensatory hyperhidrosis still remains high (78%) which requires a long term evaluation.