Perioperative Hyperhidrosis: Case Reports of Two Patients and Literature Review

Abstract

Perioperative hyperhidrosis (POH) can present as excessive sweating within hours after anesthetic induction and may persist up to 24 hours postoperatively following general anesthesia. While commonly a benign finding, excessive or persistent POH can be disconcerting for the patient and can occasionally signify an underlying infection, electrolyte disturbances, or autonomic dysregulation.

A systematic approach to managing POH has not been published. We report the cases of two patients with excessive sweating under general anesthesia, highlighting their clinical presentation and management. We also propose a clinical algorithm to standardize the management of POH.