UItrasonic surgical aspiration with endoscopic confirmation for osmidrosis

Ultrasonic surgical aspiration of axillary apocrine glands with endoscopic confirmation was used for treating osmidrosis in 87 patients. Ultrasound en ergy liquefies fat and sweat glands via cavitation, but minimally affects b lood vessels and nerves at the same energy level. We hypothesised that sinc e the apocrine glands were located within the subcutaneous fat layer, ultra sound liposuction would be effective in its removal and also preserve vascu lature of the axillary skin for optimal wound healing. The endoscope rt Ets used to visually confirm adequate removal of fat and sweat glands. Our met hod was effective in 84 patients (96.5%) and recurrence of odour occurred h i three patients (3.5%). There were no cases of haematoma, seroma, or skin necrosis. Our method leaves a small inconspicuous scar, maintains normal ax illary hair pattern and avoids contracture of the axillary skin after a sho rt and comfortable recovery period. (C) 2000 The British Association of Pla stic Surgeons.