Treatment of Compensatory Hyperhidrosis with Botulinum Toxin A: A case report

ABSTRACT

Conventional thoracoscopic sympathectomy is an effective method in treating palmar-axillary hyperhidrosis. However, this may result in a postoperatively compensatory hyperhidrosis. Conservative treatments of compensatory hyperhidrosis consist of aluminum chloride, anticholinergics, iontrophoresis, and botulinum toxin A injections. Surgical treatments in compensatory hyperhidrosis include excision of axillary tissue, liposuction, and thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Intradermal injection of botulinum toxin A has used to treat focal axillary or palmar hyperhidrosis. Botulinum toxin A bestows significant benefits with few side-effects and is well-tolerated, with beneficial results lasting from 4-16 months. We report a case illustrating the beneficial use of botulinum toxin A in a 25-year-old healthy male patient with compensatory sweating of the flank after thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Modified Minor's starch iodine test was used to allow accurate assess the impact of hyperhidrosis on the patient. In conclusion, Botulinum toxin type A is a valuable therapy for compensatory sweating after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.