<begin rant>

I have an educated guess regarding the true satisfaction rate, but I don't think that is what is needed. What is needed is a genuine scientific, quantitative studies regarding the effects of the surgery. Those results should be given to prospective patients, so they can make an informed decision based on the facts rather than the subjective opinions of strangers.

Seriously, satisfaction surveys are appropriate when choosing which model of car to buy. But, when it comes to an invasive, destructive, irreversible surgery for humans, I expect science, not infomercial-style marketing.

It would be quite simple. The surgery severs the sympathetic fibers to the sweat glands, heart, lungs, arrector pili and smooth vascular muscle. Quantitative measurements, pre-op and post op should be required for the at least the following parameters:

-Heart rate, blood pressure, exercise capacity, EKG characteristics (resting and stress for all measurements).

-Lung capacity.

-Perspiration at appropriate locations on the body at various temperatures and levels of exertion.

-Skin temperature, infared heat measurements and skin quality at appropriate locations to determine the redistribution of heat and the affects of anhidrosis on the skin.

For each parameter they should publish the raw data, the average, the standard deviation, the minimum and maximum.

You would then have good, scientific and usable data from which to make an educated decision regarding the surgery. You could see that x% get dripping CS at 75 F, y% experience complete anhidrosis from the nipples up, z% experience a m% drop in heart rate, etc.

That's what patients need to know. That's how you do a scientific study. That is what is expected of medical professionals. Testimonials and surveys should remain in their rightful place -- used to sell cheap crap at three in the morning on TV.

<end rant>