Hyperhidrosis
In approximately 1% of the general population, the
body’s nerves are over-stimulated and sweat is
produced far greater than needed to keep a constant
temperature. This condition is referred to as hyperhidrosis.
There are two classifications of hyperhidrosis. Secondary
hyperhidrosis is sweating caused by an underlying medical
condition such as hyperthyroidism, endocrine treatment
for malignant diseases, psychiatric disorders, obesity
and menopause. Primary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand,
is typically of unknown cause and is much more common
than secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis
may occur in one or several locations of the body, such
as the hands (most common) feet and armpits.
While pharmacologic and selected other treatments exist,
studies have found the surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis
to be very effective. In fact, published reports show
68-87% satisfactory control of patients sweating problems.
The most popular and effective surgical treatment is
endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. The procedure is
performed under general anesthesia in the operating
room. The surgeon makes several small incisions in the
armpit. A small, lighted telescope is inserted into
one incision and a clipping instrument is inserted into
the other. The surgeon then clips the sympathetic nerves
(T3-T5) at the sympathetic ganglia near the spine. The
procedure is repeated on the other side.
In some cases patients go home the same day and others
may spend the first night in the hospital. Recovery
time from the procedure is typically 1 week. Very rarely
there are complications from the procedure including
bleeding, infection, and injury to the surrounding tissue.
One common side effect from the surgery (has been reported
up to 80% of the time) is compensatory sweating in the
abdominal/groin area.
This specific type of surgery does, however, require
specific and extensive training to become accomplished
in its use.
Dr. Dean G. Karahalios, one of the spine surgeons
at CINN, specializes in this and other minimally invasive
spine procedures. If you are interested in scheduling
an appointment with Dr. Karahalios, please call 1-800-446-1234.
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