Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Description:
For excessive hand sweating the leading surgical approach currently available is a procedure called Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS). This technique has been improved and developed since about 1990. Not only has the surgical technique improved but also our physiological understanding with regard to the procedure. With this particular method a segment of the thoracic sympathetic chain is eliminated either with clamps, destroyed or excised. The use of clamps offers the same rate of success however with a possibility of reversal. Regardless of the type of procedure chosen, a thorough discussion between the patient and their surgeon is very important.

Effectiveness of:
ETS has a very high success rate for alleviating excessive hand sweating. The success rate ranges from 98% to 99%. The operation is done on an outpatient basis with a quick return to a normal way of life. Obviously like in any other surgical procedure side effects are inevitable and those should be discussed the surgeon in great detail. The most common side effect is compensatory sweating which is sweat that occurs on the lower legs, thighs, abdomen and back. For most of the patients the compensatory sweating is preferred much more than the original condition of excessive hand sweating. There is the possibility for other rare side effects which should be discussed with the performing surgeon.

Summary:
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy should be considered as an effective and proven option for the treatment of excessive hand sweating. It should be tried only after failed conservative measures have been tried by the patient. The patient should have a thorough understanding of the procedure and its effect before a final decision is made.