Radical treatment of axillary osmidrosis using the VERSAJET™ II Hydrosurgery System or traditional open excision: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: Axillary osmidrosis, characterized by an unpleasant odor, renders social life difficult for young adults. This study aimed to compare traditional open excision and use of the VERSAJET™ II Hydrosurgery System for effectiveness and treatment complaints in the treatment of axillary osmidrosis. AIM: The current study aimed to assess the curative effect of VERSAJET™ for axillary osmidrosis in a prospective cohort study, comparatively to traditional open excision. METHOD: In this prospective cohort study, from October 2016 to March 2018, 31 and 34 patients treated with the VERSAJET™ II Hydrosurgery System and traditional open excision, respectively, were recruited and followed up for 6 months post-treatment. Treatment outcomes were assessed, including surgical field size, operation time, postoperative complications, odor elimination, hair growth reduction, scarring, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The VERSAJET™ group had significantly shorter operation (P < .001) and lower rates of complications, including hematoma (P = .014), wound dehiscence (P = .048), and epidermal erosion (P = .022) compared with the open excision group. A similar rate of good odor elimination (P = .925) was observed in both groups (96.77% and 97.05% in the VERSAJET™ and open excision groups, respectively). Most patients experienced sparsity of armpit hair following both procedures. Based on a comprehensive consideration of the whole operation process, recovery process, postoperative odor and scar, patients in the VERSAJET™ group were more satisfied compared with those in the open excision group (P = .008). CONCLUSION: The VERSAJET™ II procedure is shorter, with less postoperative scarring and fewer postoperative complications, compared with the traditional method. Therefore, the VERSAJET™ II procedure is superior to traditional open excision, as a new, radical treatment method for axillary osmidrosis.