Microwave Ablation of Eccrine Glands as a Treatment for Residual Limb Hyperhidrosis
Abstract
Up to 66 percent of lower limb amputees report residual limb hyperhidrosis with a significant association between sweating and decreased prosthetic function. Microwave thermoablation is an effective permanent solution for axillary hyperhidrosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of microwave thermoablation for the treatment of residual limb hyperhidrosis. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores, Severity of Prosthesis Problem Scale (SPPS) scores, and gravimetric measurements of sweat after 10 minutes of exercise were taken at baseline and 3 months after treatment. Pre and post treatment measurements were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test using SPSS (IBM, Armonk, NY). A total of 9 limbs in 8 patients (one double amputee) underwent treatment. There was a statistically significant decrease in DLQI (Z=-2.136, p=0.033) and SPPS (Z=-2.521, p=0.012) scores indicating improvement in quality of life and increased ease of prosthetic use, respectively. There was a statistically significant decrease in gravimetric amount of sweat produced (Z=-2.032, p=0.042). Microwave thermoablation significantly improves quality of life, increases ease of prosthetic use, and decreases amount of sweat produced in lower limb amputees. These effects are expected to be permanent.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 17, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1082322
Entities
People
- Timothy A. Durso
Organizations
- 59th Medical Wing