| To someone who has never suffered from a condition called "palmar hyperhidrosis," excessively sweaty palms may seem like no big deal. But if you are one of the unlucky sufferers of this disease, you know it is no laughing matter. Symptoms from this disease can have a disastrous impact on both your social and business life, making everyday interactions an embarrassment.
Under the direction of Dr. Fritz Baumgartner, the Center for the Cure of Sweaty Palms in Tustin can help those suffering from this disease lead a normal life. The cure rate following an outpatient surgical procedure that takes about 30 minutes is more than 99 percent.
"Excessively sweaty palms appear to be caused by a hyperactive sympathetic nervous system. Although treatments such as oral anticholinergic agents, Botox, aluminum chloride, and dryonics are available, the only long-lasting, permanent treatment is to surgically interrupt the transmission of the sympathetic nerve impulse that controls sweating," Baumgartner explains. "This procedure is known as Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy."
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING SURGERY
The operation, done under general anesthesia, is performed on an outpatient basis. The sympathetic nerves of both sides are reached through two incisions below the armpit area on each side, using the ETS technique. After patients wake up from anesthesia, they are observed in a recovery room before being discharged. Patients can return to work or school within several days. The procedure is extremely effective for palmar hyperhidrosis.
Although the primary indication is palmar hyperhidrosis, it appears that about 90 percent of cases of underarm hyperhidrosis and 80 percent of cases of coexistent feet hyperhidrosis achieve benefit as well.
 ABOUT THE DOCTOR
The surgical treatment of sweaty palms is a highly specialized field, and those seeking medical help would be wise to consult someone with skill and experience. Dr. Fritz Baumgartner is a highly skilled thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon. He is board certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoratic Surgery.
Baumgartner earned his medical degree from UCLA in 1984. He served his internship and residency in surgery and thoracic surgery at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and the University of British Columbia. Baumgartner is a dedicated, caring professional who considers it a privilege to provide medical care. He has performed thousands of thoracic procedures and is regarded as a leader in his field. In 2002-04, the Consumers Research Council of America awarded him with the distinguished title of one of "AMERICA'S TOP SURGEONS".
For mroe information or to make an appointment, call the Center for the Cure of Sweaty Palms at (714) 285-2385 |
