Treatment of Recurrent Axillary Osmidrosis: Trimming and Electrocoagulation of Apocrine Glands Under Direct Vision Through Double Incisions

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the clinical effect of treatment for recurrent axillary osmidrosis (AO) after small-incision minimally invasive surgery by trimming and electrocoagulation of apocrine glands under direct vision through double incisions parallel to axillary creases.

Methods: This was a retrospective study. From September 2012 to January 2019, 75 axillae in 48 cases of recurrent AO after small-incision minimally invasive surgery were treated using trimming and electrocoagulation of apocrine glands under direct vision through double incisions parallel to axillary creases. Patient data, such as sex, age, original surgery method, the severity of underarm malodor before and after the operation, and occurrence of complications, were collected and analyzed.

Results: For the follow-up of at least 12 months after the surgery, all patients' underarm malodor disappeared or was significantly reduced. Patients with preoperative severity of grade I did not show a recurring AO, whereas the recurrence rate of grade II and grade III AO was 7.9% and 14.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the AO recurrence rate was 9.1% for those younger than 18 years and 6.2% in those 18 years or older. Subcutaneous hematomas appeared on 3 axillae (4.0%), and the contraction of subdermal fibrotic bands appeared on 5 axillae (6.7%).

Conclusions: Patients with recurring AO after small-incision minimally invasive surgery achieved good treatment results by trimming and electrocoagulation of apocrine glands under direct vision through double incisions parallel to axillary creases.