Transthoracic sympathectomy
Sympathectomies are carried out to reduce sweating in the hand, the armpit and the face. There are a number of reasons why people sweat excessively and before carrying out any surgical procedure you will be investigated and if you are suffering from a condition that can be treated with medication we will treat you medically. Transthoracic sympathectomy is reserved for patients who are resistant to medical treatment and generally reserved for those patients who have a very significant problem which is seriously affecting their life.
The operation involves cutting the sympathetic chain. This is part of the autonomic nervous system, nerves which control involuntary function, such as sweating and temperature regulation. The sympathetic chain runs alongside the vertebral bodies and can be approached directly through the axilla. These operations are now carried out with keyhole instruments and avoid the old fashioned procedure which involved opening the chest. The procedure itself involves injecting air into the chest and then using a fine telescope to identify the sympathetic nerve before dividing it. Patients are usually in hospital for 24 hours and will notice an immediate effect in terms of sweating.
These procedures can be life changing but are only carried out following proper investigation.