SYMPATHECTOMY - SURGICAL TREATMENTS FOR HYPERHIDROSIS OF THE HANDS AND UNDERARMS.
THE MAIN INDICATION FOR A SYMPATHECTOMY IS FOR HYPERHIDROSIS OF THE HANDS OR HYPERHIDROSIS OF THE HANDS AND UNDERARMS COMBINED.
Many patients, especially those with mild forms of Hyperhidrosis, can live with or adequately control symptoms with non-surgical therapy. However, others eventually reach a stage in their lives where they no longer want to live with the agony of Hyperhidrosis.
In the past, the only options were long-term medical therapy (oral medications in most cases) and traumatic surgeries. The surgical procedures involved significant discomfort and a prolonged recovery period. Recently developed Endoscopic techniques now allow for the very effective Sympathectomy procedure to be performed with a substantially higher rate of success, minimal discomfort, fewer and milder side effects and a rapid return to normal activities.
The new procedure is called an Endoscopic Transthoracic Sympathectomy (ETS).
The ETS has evolved over the past 60 years. Initially, the surgery was performed as an open chest operation, but now small scopes and cameras are utilized making the procedure less invasive and recovery quicker. Today, the sympathetic nerve trunks are cut during the procedure.
Description of the Procedure
The procedure is done under a light general anesthesia by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. A small camera is inserted through a small incision in the left underarm. The sympathetic nerve is located in front of the ribs along the back of the chest space. After the appropriate nerve is found, the sympathetic nerve is then cut. Once this is accomplished, the camera is withdrawn and the same procedure is done on the right chest. The patient is then sent to the recovery room for about an hour and then discharged.
Effectiveness of the Sympathectomy for different types of Hyperhidrosis
T3 SYMPATHECTOMY FOR PALMAR (HAND) HYPERHIDROSIS OR HYPERHIDROSIS OF THE HANDS AND UNDERARMS COMBINED.
The Endoscopic Transthoracic Sympathectomy (ETS or T3 Sympathectomy) cuts only the 3rd nerve trunk. This procedure is effective in eliminating sweating of the hands in 98% and underarms in the majority of cases.
Following a T3 Sympathectomy, the hands no longer become "sandpaper dry," a condition which can result with the standard T2 Sympathectomy. A T2 Sympathectomy can also lower the heart rate while the T3 Sympathectomy does not affect the heart rate.
INTENSE PULSED LIGHT FOR FACIAL BLUSHING
The most effective and least invasive treatment for FACIAL BLUSHING is Intense Pulsed Light. One or two treatments usually diminish the most severe cases of FACIAL BLUSHING. Dr. Garza does not recommend an ETS for FACIAL BLUSHING OR SWEATING.
WHO SHOULD NOT UNDERGO A SYMPATHECTOMY
Years of experience have led to the conclusion that those who have Generalized sweating are not good candidates for a Sympathectomy. Generalized Hyperhidrosis includes people who sweat on the hands but also sweat on the back, abdomen or groin during the times that the hands sweat. Examples: people who frequently have damp underwear and leave sweat stains on their seats even while in cold rooms or those who have sweaty backs and chests with minimal exertion. In other words, these patients tend to sweat all over. The patients with this type of sweating will usually develop Severe Compensatory Sweating after a Sympathectomy. Those with Focal Hyperhidrosis of the Hands are the best candidates for a Sympathectomy.
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Copyright © 1998-2004 The Hyperhidrosis Center. All rights reserved.
Medical Disclaimer: Please Read
Please remember that medical information provided by Dr. Jim Garza, in the absence of a visit with a health care professional, must be considered as an educational service only. The information sent through e-mail should not be relied upon as a medical consultation. This mechanism is not designed to replace a physician's
independent judgment about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure for a given patient. We will do our best to provide you with information that will help you make your own health care decisions.
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