| Hyperhidrosis Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy |
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Surgeons have known for a long time that a procedure called sympathectomy can cure excessive sweating in the hands, face, and underarms and sometimes the feet as well. It also cures problems with persistent facial blushing. Sympathectomy involves cauterizing (cutting and sealing) a portion of the sympathetic nerve chain that runs down the backbone, parallel to the spinal cord. This operation permanently interrupts the nerve signal that is causing the body to sweat excessively. In the past, this was a complicated procedure because surgeons needed to make a major incision to reach the sympathetic chain. They either had to open the chest cavity or approach through the back, just below the neck. In either case, the risks related to major surgery generally were thought to outweigh any potential benefits. However, recent advances in visually-assisted endoscopic surgery have made it possible for surgeons to perform the procedure with only very small incisions—in fact, less than one inch each. Using a fiberoptic camera and small surgical instruments, the surgeon can locate and cut the right portion of the sympathetic chain in a relatively simple operation. Most patients require just an overnight stay in the hospital. |