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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.