Long-term efficacy of subcutaneous sweat gland suction curettage for axillary hyperhidrosis: a prospective gravimetrically controlled study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Subcutaneous sweat gland suction curettage (SSGSC) is gaining acceptance as a therapy for axillary hyperhidrosis. Despite its acceptance, there remains a lack of prospective data describing the efficacy and long-term outcome of SSGSC.

OBJECTIVE:

We examined the sweat rates and patients' satisfaction of 12 months following SGSC in 28 patients with axillary hyperhidrosis.

METHODS:

Axillary sweat rates were determined by semiquantitative gravimetry. A questionnaire was used to determine patients' satisfaction.

RESULTS:

A 58% reduction in sweat rate under resting conditions and an 85% reduction during aerobic exercise in sweat rates was observed. A subdivision of patients into three groups based on their baseline preoperative sweat rates (<25, 25-50, and >50 mg/min) showed that patients with resting sweat rates over 25 mg/min benefited particularly from this procedure, whereas patients with less than 25 mg/min did not.

CONCLUSION:

SSGSC produces a significant reduction in the preoperative sweat rates. A low complication rate and a high degree of patient satisfaction were observed. Long-term follow-up evaluations demonstrate a low number of relapses, making SSGSC a convenient and satisfactory method of treating axillary hyperhidrosis. It should be considered in patients refractory to conventional therapies with baseline sweat rates greater than 25 mg/min. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

• Authors: Stephanie Darabaneanu, Horia-Alfred Darabaneanu, Uwe Niederberger, Paul A J Russo, Stephan Lischner, Axel Hauschild
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 34 Issue 9 Pg. 1170-7; discussion 1177 (Sep 2008) ISSN: 1524-4725 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18518888 (Publication Type: Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Axilla (surgery)
• Cicatrix (etiology, surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Hyperhidrosis (diagnosis, surgery)
• Male
• Patient Satisfaction
• Prospective Studies
• Skin Transplantation
• Surgical Wound Infection (etiology)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Sweat Glands (surgery)
• Treatment Outcome
• Vacuum Curettage (adverse effects, methods)