| Excessively sweaty palms are caused by a disease referred to as palmar hyperhidrosis. The disease is caused by hyperactive sympathetic nervous activity of the sweat glands of the hands. Hyperhidrosis can cause significant professional and social handicaps.
Although treatments such as oral medication, Botox, drysol and dryonics are available, the only long-lasting, effective treatment is to surgically interrupt the transmission of the sympathetic nerve impulse that controls sweating. This procedure is known as endoscopic thoracoscopic sympathectomy (ETS).
The procedure
ETS is best performed by a well-trained thoracic surgeon. The procedure takes place under general anesthesia administered by a board-certified or board-eligible anesthesiologist and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
The surgical technique
The operation is performed on an outpatient basis while patients are under general anesthesia. The sympathetic nerves of both sides are reached through two incisions (5 to 10 mm) 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 to go home. Patients can return to work or school within several days. The procedure is extremely effective for palmar and underarm hyperhidrosis.
Results
The long-term result of ETS as a treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis is excellent, curing the sweaty palms in approximately 99 percent of all cases.
The same surgery can also benefit 80-90 percent of armpit sweaty cases and 70 percent of sweaty
feet cases. 
Surgeon's profile
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 Thoracic Surgery. Baumgartner earned his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1984. He served his internship and residency in surgery at the Harbor UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Baumgartner is a dedicated, caring professional who considers it a privilege to provide medical care. He has performed more than 4,000 thoracic procedures and is regarded as one of the world leaders in his field. In 2002-2003, the Consumers Research Council of America awarded Dr. Baumgartner with the distinguished title as one of "America's Top Surgeons."
Dr. Baumgartner may be reached at the Center for the Cure of Sweaty Palms™, Warner Village Building - 10900 Warner Ave, Suite 121, Fountain Valley @ California 92708.
For more information or to make an appointment, call the Center for the Cure of Sweaty Palms™ at (714) 285-2385. |
