Sympathectomy surgery is an advanced medical procedure that involves the removal of portions of the sympathetic nerve trunk. Most commonly accessible through the thoracic or upper chest region, these sympathetic nerves control many involuntary body functions, including your heart rate, blood pressure, and sweat production. This procedure is conducted by surgeons to treat a range of health problems, most commonly involving excessive sweating, especially in the palms, soles, and armpits, which is a condition known as hyperhidrosis.
Understanding Hyperhidrosis
Individuals suffering from hyperhidrosis experience an abnormal amount of sweating. While sweat is the body’s way of cooling down, people with hyperhidrosis sweat excessively, often without any physical triggers. This usually affects their quality of life, interfering with routine activities. For some, excessive sweating is so severe that it can result in excessive sweating treatment feet becoming constantly wet, leading to other complications such as fungal infections. In addition to the feet, hyperhidrosis can also affect the face, hands, underarms, and groin.
When is Sympathectomy Surgery Necessary?
This surgical procedure is frequently recommended as a last resort, for cases where other treatment methods fail. Sympathectomy procedure is usually considered after less invasive treatment options, such as prescription antiperspirants, medications, Iontophoresis, and Botox, have proven ineffective. The surgery is also considered if the patient faces intolerable pain or severe adverse effects from other treatments.
Understanding Sympathectomy Surgery
Sympathectomy surgery involves making small incisions and using a miniaturized camera (thoracoscope) introduced into the chest wall to identify the sympathetic chain. The nerve trunk is then cut, clamped, or destroyed using a variety of techniques. This obstructs the nerve signals, thereby reducing sweat production in the targeted areas.
While the thoracic surgery is the most common sympathectomy procedure, lumbar sympathectomy, which targets nerves in the lower back region to tackle excessive sweating of the feet, is also performed.
Post-Procedure Outcomes
Patients generally see results immediately after the procedure with a significant reduction in sweating in the targeted areas. However, compensatory sweating can be a common side effect, where the body compensates for the reduced sweating in one area by sweating more in another. Other potential side effects include changes in heart rate and blood pressure, along with potential nerve damage leading to pain.
Patient Eligibility and Considerations
Patient eligibility for sympathectomy surgery is evaluated based on the severity of hyperhidrosis, response to other treatment methods, overall health condition, and the patient’s personal choice after understanding the potential risks and benefits. As with any surgical procedure, this decision should be made carefully, and in sync with medical advice.
In summary, sympathectomy surgery can be a life-changing solution for those struggling with severe hyperhidrosis. It can provide a lasting solution for patients who have exhausted all other treatment paths and are currently battling with daily challenges posed by excessive sweating. However, as a significant medical procedure, the surgery necessitates in-depth discussions between the patient and medical professionals to weigh the potential benefits against possible complications.