Objectives Endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a surgical procedure used to improve Quality of Life (QoL) in patients with treatment resistant palmar hyperhidrosis (PHH). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that low preoperative scores on The Everyday Life Questionnaire (EDLQ) would predict QoL improvement after surgery. Materials and methods Pre- and post-operative QoL scores from a series of 30 consecutive patients who underwent ETS at our institution were analyzed. Results Preoperative QoL scores was a significant predictor of post-operative improvement across all dimensions covered by the questionnaire. Conclusion Preoperative low QoL can be used as a guide in selecting patients with most improved QoL after ETS.