axillary hyperidrosis - surgical treatment using vacuum curettage

Objective: To evaluate the results of treating axillaryhyperhidrosis by vacuum curettage. Methods: Vacuumcurettage was performed in 37 patients to treat axillaryhyperidrosis, from May 1999 to December 2005. Based on thereason for patients looking for treatment (interference in theirquality of life), the evaluation criterion was a validated selfapplicablequestionnaire called “The Dermatology Life QualityIndex”. Statistical analysis was performed by means of Z scoreconsidering as significant the p value < 0.05. Results: In a groupof 73 axillae (37 patients), after applying the questionnaire, amean score of 15.4 (10-20) was obtained in the preoperativeperiod out of a maximum of 30 points, which represented thelowest quality of life. The mean score in the postoperative periodwas 2.0 (1-10). The difference between the values obtained inthe pre- and postoperative periods was, in average, 13.4 (1-20)points. The statistical analysis of the mean variation betweenthe pre- and post-treatment scores showed an improvement inquality of life of patients after surgery (p < 0.05). The aspiratewas sent for histological identification and confirmed thepresence of sweat glands. Conclusions: We concluded vacuumcurettage improves quality of life in patients with axillaryhyperhidrosis and can be the first surgical treatment option.