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Original Articles: General Thoracic

Bilateral Thoracoscopic T2 to T3 Sympathectomy Versus Botulinum Injection in Palmar Hyperhidrosis

^a Division of Thoracic Surgery, Policlinico Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
^b Division of Dermatology, Policlinico Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy

Accepted for publication April 1, 2009.

^_* Address correspondence to Dr T. Mineo, Cattedra di Chirurgia Toracica, Università Tor Vergata, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Via Oxford, 81, Rome, 00133, Italy (Email: mineo{at}med.uniroma2.it).

Background: Bilateral T2 to T3 thoracoscopic sympathectomy and injection of botulinum toxin-A are presently the most effective modalities in the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis. In this study we evaluated comparative merits of the two therapies.

Methods: Patients suffering primary palmar hyperhidrosis were treated by either bilateral T2 to T3 thoracoscopic sympathectomy (n = 68) or by injection of botulinum toxin-A (n = 86). The groups were homogeneous for relevant demographic, physiologic, and clinical data. Quantification of sweat production was performed by Minor's iodine starch and glove tests. Subjective changes were assessed by quality of life questionnaires (Hyperhidrosis, Dermatology Life Quality Index, Short Form-36, Nottingham's Health Profile) and patient's satisfaction self-assessment. A cost comparison between groups was also carried out.

Results: No operative mortality or major morbidity was recorded in either group. Minor's test showed a more significant reduction in the surgical group: +94% versus +63% at 6 months and +94% versus +30% at 12 months. Compensatory sweating was significantly greater and long-lasting in the surgical group. All subjective tests improved rapidly and significantly in both groups. After 6 months, results mildly worsened in the surgical group and more significantly in the botulinum group. Patient's satisfaction was initially greater in the botulinum group (p = 0.03), but after 6 months it significantly reversed (p = 0.04). Surgical treatment cost approximately as much as four botulinum treatments.

Conclusions: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is superior to botulinum toxin-A injection. The greater initial costs and discomfort are offset by a greater reduction in compensatory sweating.