Purpose: To study the efficacy of therapy and recurrence rates of axillary hyperhidrosis using an arthroscopic shaver technique over a five year period.

Methods: All cases of hyperhidrosis over a five-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Information was gathered by phone call and chart review. Inclusion criteria were arthroscopic shaver technique utilization, primary surgery, and subjective complaints of hyperhidrosis. No pre-operative testing of severity was performed. The technique utilized was consistent between surgeons. Charts were reviewed analyzing patient demographics, symptom history, post-operative course & recurrence rates. Severity was assessed using a subjective severity scale (1-10).

Results: 50 patients with an average follow-up 28 months were included. Pre-operative severity was 9.8/10 and post-operatively was 2.3/10. 6% of patients reported recurrence of symptoms (4.6/10), not severe enough to seek further treatment. The average follow-up of those patients was 18.5 months. An overall subjective satisfaction of 96% was found. Complications were limited with 2% of patients developed hypertrophic scarring, 2% with hair loss, 10% with post-operative axillary numbness, and 14% with infection

Conclusions: We conclude that the shaver technique is an efficacious with no significant morbidity, with 96% satisfied patients, a subjectively measured 75% reduction of sweat, and a recurrence rate of only 6%.