Advances in minimally invasive endoscopic techniques with significantly reduced morbidity and mortality rates, through the use of imaging systems, tiny cameras, fiberoptics, microscopes, and very small skin incisions, has established thoracoscopic sympathectomy as a safe and effective treatment for palmer hyperhidrosis with less tissue disruption and faster recovery. High technical success and patient satisfaction rates have paralleled the increased application of this procedure in the treatment of palmer hyperhidrosis. This outpatient procedure is faster, involves little bleeding, less muscle disruption, tiny incisions, reduced recovery time, less post-operative pain, minimal scarring and better results than the traditional methods.
 Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is best performed safely and effectively by a well trained thoracic surgeon. The procedure takes place under general anesthesia administered by a board certified anesthesiologist, and takes approximately 1 hour. While patients are under general anesthesia, tiny incisions (5-10 mm in diameter) are made between the ribs below the armpits to allow passage of the thoracoscope (a tiny camera) and surgical instruments.
A routine X-ray is performed a few hours after surgery to rule out any complications. If the chest X-ray shows that the lungs are fully expanded, the patient is discharged the same day. |
