We hold the cure in the palm of our hands.

At the Southwest Centre for Hyperhidrosis, our renowned physicians from Barrow Neurosurgical Associates, Ltd. offer an effective, safe, minimally invasive endoscopic surgical procedure to cure excessive perspiration.

SYMPATHECTOMY FOR HYPERHIDROSIS.
A surgical procedure called a thorascopic (through a scope) sympathectomy (removal of part of the sympathetic nerve chain) is available to treat hyperhidrosis, and usually results in a permanent cure for hand sweating.

HOW THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED.
Thorascopic sympathectomy is performed in the operating room, while the patient is under general anesthesia. Two or three small incisions are made just below the under arm, between the ribs. One of the incisions is used to insert the endoscope to see inside the chest, and one or two are used to insert the instruments used to perform the actual operation. The lung on the side where the operation is being performed is collapsed during surgery so the sympathetic chain within the chest can be seen. The portion of the sympathetic nerve that stimulates sweating in the hands is then removed. Once this is completed, the lung is reinflated by inserting a chest tube. This tube is usually removed shortly after the operation. The incisions are closed with several small stitches. The procedure is performed on one side of the chest, then the other, while the patient remains asleep. When both sides have been completed, the patient is taken to the recovery room to wake up from the effects of the anesthesia.

THE TREATMENT? HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL.
The procedure usually requires staying overnight in the hospital. Patients enter the hospital the same morning the surgery is performed and are released the next day. Shortly after waking up from the anesthesia, patients are allowed to begin drinking fluids and get out of bed with assistance. Pain medication is used to control post-operative discomfort. Deep breathing exercises are important in the recovery period to maintain lung inflation and prevent collapse of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs of the lung.

YOU'LL GIVE OUR SUCCESS RATE A STANDING OVATION.
The success rate of sympathectomy for the permanent relief of palmar hyperhidrosis is greater than 95%. There are also secondary benefits which may occur. Two-thirds of patients will also obtain relief from plantar hyperhidrosis (sweating of their feet). Axillary (underarm) hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis (axillary odor) will also improve or be relieved in approximately 80% of the patients.

THE RISKS ARE FEW. THE REWARDS ARE MANY.
There are some risks associated with sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis. Thirty to 70% of patients will experience a compensatory hyperhidrosis that involves increased sweating of the chest, abdomen, legs, and/or back. Typically, the symptoms are mild to moderate, but they can be severe in 5 - 10% of patients. The symptoms of generalized compensatory hyperhidrosis occur despite complete relief of the palmar hyperhidrosis. Fortunately, the compensatory hyperhidrosis tends to improve or resolve within six to nine months following after surgery. Although rare, drooping of the eyelid, permanent constriction of the pupil, and inability to perspire on the face may occur on the same side that the surgery has been performed on. This is called Horner's syndrome. Post-operative pain occurs for several days following surgery which is usually relieved with oral pain medication. Normal activity may usually be resumed within one week following surgery.