Basically there are two forms of treatment for HYPERHIDROSIS (excessive sweating).
What possible complications are this from treatment?
Like all surgical operations there can be complications. Fortunately these are hardly ever seen when the operation is done by an experienced surgeon. Bleeding and infection are almost unheard of.
Because the lung has to be pushed out of the way during surgery in the chest it is possible to get a condition known as "pneumothorax" in which the lung partially collapses. This means that a small drain tube is needed in the chest for a few hours to re-expand the lung. There is not likely to be long term or permanent damage from this.
Both the above forms of treatment may result in the affects of sympathectomy. The most common side affect is compensatory sweating in another part of the body. Approximately 50%, ( 1/2), of those receiving treatment may suffer from excessive sweating in another part of their bodies.
It is most common in the middle of the back, buttocks, under the breasts or chest and is noticeable in over half of people who have the operation. It is only rarely a serious problem and most people find it quite acceptable as a trade off in order to be rid of the original hand and armpit sweating.
There are no reported major affects in terms of the way the body's heat or fluid regulation functions after sympathectomy.
The only other recognised special complication of thoracoscopic sympathectomy is "Horners Syndrome" which occurs in less than 5% of operations and is often only temporary lasting several days. In Horners Syndrome the eyelid droops by a tiny amount. It does not droop over the pupil and does not affect vision in any way, so is usually barely noticeable.
Because these siteeffects are possible it may be a better option to try the Botex injection treatment first. You may then get an idea whether or not you will suffer from the affects of sympathectomy, sweating elsewhere and if so to what levels.
Consult your Doctor before carrying out any forms of treatment.
Hyperhidrosis: Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy Sympathectomy
Dr. Joseph F. Smith Medical library
Health AtoZ Sympathectomy
NOTES
Video about Aluminium-free Antiperspirant and sweating:-
Click for general notes about anxiety and stress.
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