Why is a sympathectomy performed?

Why might I need a sympathectomy? This procedure is used to treat a condition called hyperhidrosis or abnormally heavy sweating in the palms of the hands, the face, the underarms, and sometimes the feet.

How long does it take to recover from ETS surgery?

What is the recovery time for ETS? Recovery after ETS is swift, with most patients returning home the day of the procedure and back to normal activity within days to a week. Patients must schedule a postoperative visit with their surgeon for approximately one to two weeks following the procedure.

What is the procedure for endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy?

Description

  1. The surgeon makes 2 or 3 tiny cuts (incisions) under one arm on the side where the excessive sweating occurs.
  2. Your lung on this side is deflated (collapsed) so that air does not move in and out of it during surgery.
  3. A tiny camera called an endoscope is inserted through one of the cuts into your chest.

How is a sympathectomy done?

Sympathectomy is a type of minimally-invasive procedure (small incisions of 2–3 inches long, done under general anesthesia) which involves cauterizing (cutting and sealing) a portion of the sympathetic nerve chain that runs down the back inside the chest, parallel to the spine.

Can sympathetic nerves heal?

Sympathetic nerve function can be restored to some extent after sympathectomy in clinical practice; severe histological damage in the sympathetic trunk almost normalizes 12 weeks after thoracoscopic clipping of the sympathetic trunk in patients with disabling primary hyperhidrosis or facial blushing (Thomsen et al..

Is ETS surgery painful?

Benefits of ETS Because ETS is performed through small keyhole incisions rather than a large chest incision, there’s no scarring, less pain and a faster recovery.

What are the side effects of ETS surgery?

ETS surgery is usually considered a last resort, as it comes with significant risks. Side effects and complications range from extreme hypotension, heat intolerance, arrhythmia and, in extreme cases, death.

How is sympathectomy performed?

Can a sympathectomy be reversed?

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is an effective treatment of primary hyperhidrosis of the face, upper extremities, and axillae. The major limitation is the side effect of compensatory sweating severe enough that patients request reversal in up to 10% of cases.

What happens when a sympathetic nerve block doesn’t work?

Sympathetic nerves spread out from your spine. They control some of the body functions you have no control over, like blood flow and digestion. They also carry pain signals. When this system isn’t working right, such as after an injury, you can have chronic pain.