Excision of apocrine glands and axillary superficial fascia as a single entity for the treatment of axillary bromhidrosis.

BACKGROUND:   Surgical excision of apocrine glands is the effective treatment for axillary bromhidrosis. Skin necrosis, the most serious adverse result observed postoperatively, results in a prolonged wound healing and leads to unsightly scars in the axillary fossae. It is mainly caused by the skin damage during the operation and postoperative seroma or haematoma formation.

OBJECTIVE:   To investigate the effects and complications of our surgical modality for axillary bromhidrosis.

METHODS:   Sixty-three patients with bromhidrosis were treated. An incision about two-thirds of the length of the widest transverse diameter was made on the axillary crease. The loosened layers between the dermis and axillary superficial fascia containing apocrine glands were carefully undermined with an iris scissor. The entire apocrine glands-axillary superficial fascia complex was dissected from the centre to the superior and inferior margins with an electrosurgical pencil.

RESULTS:   Of the 126 axillae, malodour was eradicated in 112 axillae and reduced sharply in 14. There were three cases of skin necroses. The Dermatology Life Quality Index score decreased significantly and the quality of life improved after the operation.

CONCLUSION:   Our surgical technique can achieve minimal tissue damage and maintain no hematoma postoperatively. The rate of skin necrosis was low. Quality of life improved after the procedure in this patient population.