Endoscopic Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy Procedure Heals Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating, occurs when the nerves in one's body are over-stimulated and sweat is produced far greater than needed to keep a constant temperature. This condition may be inherited, caused by warm weather or emotional stress. The problem is rare and can be seen in .6 to 1.0% of the population.

The sweating sensation begins in early childhood and worsens in adolescence. Hyperhidrosis carries a social stigma, prohibits consideration for many manual job opportunities, and is very uncomfortable. The social and professional consequences are immense; the most consistent complaints are embarrassment when shaking hands, and difficulties in drawing and writing. The condition persists until the thoracic sympathetic ganglions, which cause primary hyperhidrosis, are removed. Traditional treatment options have included antiperspirants or the prescription ointment Drysol, which may be used to stop sweating of the palms by plugging sweat ducts. Both treatments offer only temporary relief.

With a new procedure, known as thoracoscopic sympathectomy. This surgery is performed at Jewish Hospital by the surgeons of Louisville Thoracic Specialists.

Thoracic sympathectomy involves cutting the nerves in the chest cavity that send signals to the sweat glands. The new advances in endoscopic surgery now allow thoracic surgeons to create small incisions into the chest right below the armpits and insert surgical instruments and cameras to complete the procedure. The entire surgery can be completed in about an hour, and can be done as an outpatient, although the patients will be full anesthetized. Benefits of this surgery are immediate.

The surgery is performed with minor discomfort, and the results are extraordinary. According to thoracic surgeon Dr. Roy Bowling, "This procedure can have an immense impact on people and their everyday lives. This procedure is done thoracoscopically and carries minimal risks." In over 95% of all operations, the procedure is successful and the patients' hands are dry after completion of the surgery. Hyperhidrosis of the feet and facial sweating can be improved in many of the patients.

After years of suffering from hyperhidrosis, Katie Hahn, 14, had a thoracoscopic sympathectomy and reports extraordinary results. Katie explained how the profuse sweating of her hands made it nearly impossible to keep paper dry, and she could barely hold a writing instrument. She tried numerous ointments and antiperspirants before the procedure, and none of them helped stop the excessive sweating. "For people who suffer from profuse sweating in hands, feet or armpits, this procedure can change your life immediately," Katie said after completion of the surgery. She emphasized that this is a very debilitating disease that can be cured instantly