Hyperhidrosis surgery, also called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (thoracoscopic sympathectomy) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat hyperhidrosis — excessive sweating — in patients. During this procedure, surgeons interrupt the transmission of nerve signals from the spinal column to the sweat glands, which will prevent the nerve signals from triggering sweating in the affected part of the body. This treatment is considered permanent and not reversible.
Hyperhidrosis is a physiological condition, caused by an overactive sympathetic nervous system, that can lead to excessive sweating in a person’s hands, axillae and feet, causing embarrassment and discomfort in the patient.
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is a surgical solution with a high success rate for treating hyperhidrosis. The procedure is performed in the operating room as an elective surgery and usually involves an overnight stay in the hospital. This is a minimally invasive surgery and normal activity can be resumed after a few days.
During this procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia, a surgeon makes two or three small incisions under the arm. Using a tiny camera (endoscope) inserted into one of the small incisions, the surgeon identifies the nerves in the chest that cause the excessive sweating in the problem area. Those nerves are destroyed, cut or clipped. This surgery, which can be performed on one or both sides of the body, takes between one and three hours. Results of the surgery are usually immediate.
Why Temple Health for Hyperhidrosis Surgery?
With personalized care and advanced surgical methods, Temple Neurosciences Center offers advanced neurosurgical procedures such as hyperhidrosis surgery.
Our specialists have been named as “Top Doctors” by Philadelphia magazine and are some of the Philadelphia region's top providers for the treatment of neurological disorders. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists collaborates to specifically manage conditions such as hyperhidrosis. Our understanding of the complex problems associated with hyperhidrosis will help patients receive appropriate and latest treatments.
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