Endoscopec Assisted Ultrasonic Aspiration for Axillary osmidrosis

ABSTRACT

Surgical excision of the subcutaneous tissues, with or without skin excision in the axillary hair-bearing area, has been the treatment of choice for Treating axillary a osmidrosis for the several decades. However, long periods of postoperative immobilization of a shoulder joint, partial necrosis of skin flaps or hematoma and the possibility of unsightly scars are frequent complications. For the purpose of reducing these complications, we performed ultrasonic aspiration of subcutaneous fat of the axilla, including the apocrine gland, using ultrasonic liposuction technique under confirmation of endoscopy via one small skin incision. From November 1997 to December 1998, a total of 134 patients (93 women and 41 men) received surgery for bilateral axillary osmidrosis on an outpatient basis. Sixty patients were evaluated more than 6 months after surgery. Among these patients, 6patients complained of a persistent foul odor(10%). Five patients received secondary ultrasonic aspiration for persistent foul odor and were then cured. We concluded that our method has several advantages such as 1) preservation of skin flap vascularity for the prevention of flap necrosis and axillary hair, 2) minimal scarring and bleeding, 3) shorter operation time and postoperative immobilization of the shoulder joint, 4) increased patient comfort, and 5) a safer operative method for recurred cases as a secondary method.