ABSTRACT
Objective: Axillary bromhidrosis is an autosomal dominant genetic disease characterized by unpleasant odor caused by interaction between apocrine gland discharge and bacteria. Many treatments have been developed for axillary bromhidrosis. Surgical resection of the apocrine glands is the most effective and is irreversible, but the risk of postoperative complications is very high. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of a new surgical procedure.
Methods: From January 2012 to May 2015, 124 patients with axillary bromhidrosis visited the plastic surgery outpatient department at the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University and underwent axillary fold, parallel double incision, minimally invasive surgery combined with ion electrocautery.
Results: Treatment outcomes were assessed in outpatient follow-up for 6 months. A total of 19 patients were lost to follow-up and excluded from this study. We confirmed apocrine gland destruction through histopathological examination. During follow-up, we monitored wound healing, hematoma formation, necrosis, infection, residual odor, postoperative pain, immobilization, and overall satisfaction. Among 105 patients, 101 (96.2%) had complete elimination of malodor at the end of the study; 99 were completely satisfied with the treatment, 4 were partly satisfied, and 2 were dissatisfied. The recurrence rate was 3.8%. The most common postoperative complication was transient ecchymosis (23.6%).
Conclusions: Axillary fold, parallel double incision, minimally invasive surgery combined with ion electrocautery is a simple and effective treatment for axillary bromhidrosis.
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