Tumescent suction curettage in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis: experience in 63 patients.

BACKGROUND

Axillary hyperhidrosis is a common and most distressing problem, which can be addressed by a variety of treatment modalities.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of tumescent suction curettage in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

63 patients (39 female, 25 male; mean age 30.3 +/- 7.6 years) with axillary hyperhidrosis were enrolled in the study. All patients were treated in an outpatient setting with tumescent suction curettage of the axillary cavity, using two entry sites. The results were evaluated with the iodine-starch test after 4 weeks and after 6 months. Two years after the procedure, patient satisfaction was evaluated as 'satisfied', 'partially satisfied' or 'dissatisfied'.

RESULTS

None of the patients had early postoperative complications of infection or seroma. All patients had a marked reduction of hyperhidrosis after 4 weeks, confirmed by the iodine-starch test. After 6 months, 15 patients had high sweat rates and asked for repeat surgery. Two years after the procedure, 49 patients were satisfied, 11 patients were partially satisfied and 3 patients were dissatisfied.

CONCLUSION

Tumescent suction curettage is a safe and effective treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis resulting in a high level of patient satisfaction. Some patients will need repeat surgery. Suction curettage, however, should not be used as the first line of treatment in axillary hyperhidrosis.