Long-term results and quality-of-life measures in the management of hyperhidrosis

Abstract

Primary focal hyperhidrosis has a significant, negative impact on quality of life, causing impairments in social, physical, leisure, and occupational activities. The outcome of different surgical and medical treatment modalities is best assessed by using a combination of tools. Quantitative tools include gravimetry, evaporimetry, and Minor's starch and iodine test. Qualitative assessment tools include general health surveys and hyperhidrosis-specific surveys. Of these, the HDSS has been found to have a good correlation to other assessment tools and to be practical in the clinical setting. The surgical literature has primarily used qualitative tools to assess outcomes and many of these tools are investigator-developed, rather than standardized surveys, which may be partly because of the largely retrospective nature of these studies. A surgical investigator's goal tends to be focused on obtaining specific postoperative information regarding symptom improvement and potential surgical complications. The VATS can have a major positive impact on the quality of life of patients who have hyperhidrosis. The impairment that this disorder causes is often underappreciated by the medical community.