Evaluation of the quality of life of patients with primary hyperhidrosis submitted to videothoracoscopic sympathectomy

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the quality of life of patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopy for primary hyperhidrosis. Methods: we evaluated the patients who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy to treat primary hyperhidrosis by the team of thoracic surgery at the University Hospital Gaffrée and Guinle - UNIRIO between July 2004 and August 2013. It was applied a questionnaire about quality of life related to hyperhidrosis since preoperative period until one year after the surgery. Results: one hundred twenty two patients answered the questionnaire, with a mean age of 25 years, 57% of whom were women. In relation to severity of primary hyperhidrosis, 83% of the patients reported as tolerable or somewhat tolerable associated with major limitation of quality of life, which it was poor or very poor in 82% of cases. Postoperative compensatory hyperhidrosis occurred in 78% of patients, but it was regarded as invisible or barely noticeable for 85% of these patients, classifying it as acceptable. In 15% of patients, the compensatory sweating was classified as disruptive. Conclusion: thoracoscopic sympathectomy improves the quality of life of patients with primary hyperhidrosis. The transitional compensatory hyperhidrosis occurred in most patients, but did not improve significantly the quality of life.