Surgical Option for Hyperhidrosis

Thoracic sympathectomy is the most common--and most effective--surgery for hyperhidrosis.

The goal of this surgery is to destroy or remove a portion of the sympathetic nerve. Previously, surgeons would have to make a large incision in the chest or neck. Now, a less invasive method--called endoscopic thoracic surgery (ETS)--is used. This surgery usually is performed with instruments that measure almost 1/2 inch in diameter. Surgeons at the University of Chicago Hospitals now use needlescopic techniques to perform ETS with extremely slim instruments--measuring only 1/8 inch in diameter.

In ETS, the surgeon makes two small incisions in the patient's armpit in order to insert the instruments that destroy a part of the sympathetic nerve. Our physicians divide the nerve--rather than clip the nerve--providing a permanent and more effective solution.

This surgery has a quicker recovery time as well as less scarring than other surgeries for hyperhidrosis. In fact, the incisions are so small that they require no sutures for closure.


Call Us

If you have additional questions regarding hyperhidrosis, please call the Section of Thoracic Surgery at (773) 702-3551.



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