Is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy safe?

ETS is a safe operation and usually no problems are encountered. As with any operation, problems can occur and there is a small risk of injury inside the chest. If there is air coming out of the lung or bleeding it may be necessary to insert a drainage tube into the chest for a day or two.

What are the side effects of ETS?

Possible Side Effects of ETS

• Compensatory Sweating. The most common side effect of ETS is compensatory sweating – excessive sweating of the back, abdomen, thighs, and legs.
• Horner’s Syndrome.
• Gustatory Sweating.
• Neuritis and Neuralgia.
• Brachial Plexus Injury.
• Decreased Heart Rate.
• Dry Facial Skin.

What can I expect after ETS surgery?

ETS Surgery Follow Up Protocol After awakening in the recovery room, you can expect your hands to be dry and never to sweat severely again, although results can vary. Most patients also achieve significant improvement in armpit sweating (about an 80% reduction in severity).

Is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy permanent?

While endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) offers a permanent option for palmar hyperhidrosis, the risk of compensatory sweating following the operation is a serious consideration.

How painful is ETS surgery?

Some patients might experience temporary, mild to moderate pressure or pain in the chest as a result of their surgery. For these patients in particular, physical activity is allowed, but should be introduced gradually to avoid further discomfort.

What are the side effects of having your sweat glands removed?

When sweat glands are removed from the underarm, there is risk of developing an infection. Patients may have soreness and bruising. These will go away. Permanent side effects also can occur.

How long does it take to recover from ETS surgery?

What is the recovery time for ETS? Recovery after ETS is swift, with most patients returning home the day of the procedure and back to normal activity within days to a week. Patients must schedule a postoperative visit with their surgeon for approximately one to two weeks following the procedure.

Has anyone died ETS surgery?

Results and conclusion: No death following ETS has ever been reported in the literature, but nine anecdotal fatalities are known, five resulting from major intrathoracic bleeding and three from anaesthetic mishap.

Can a sympathectomy be reversed?

When ETS is performed by cutting the sympathetic chain, reversal requires nerve grafting. However, for ETS done with clips, reversal is a simple thoracoscopic outpatient procedure of removing the clips. Subsequent reversal of the sympathectomy, ie, nerve regeneration, is successful in many cases.

What can you not do after miraDry?

Avoid the following Avoid applying antiperspirant/deodorant within the first five days. Do not apply over any broken skin, such as nicks from shaving. Use a new antiperspirant/deodorant should you resume use. Wear a loose top for the next few days to prevent underarm irritation.