Surgery to treat focal excessive sweating

Average rating:

An operation is an option for people who have not been helped much by other treatments, or if other treatments cause unacceptable side effects or problems.

For armpit sweating - an option is to remove the sweat glands in the armpit. There are various techniques. For example, one operation is to cut out the area of skin in the armpit that contains the sweat glands. This usually works to reduce sweating, but a number of people have had problems after this operation due to scarring and a loss of the full range of movement of the arm. A newer technique is to 'scrape' the sweat glands from the under side of the skin through a small hole cut in the skin. This appears to give good results with less risk of complications. A recent innovation has been to use a laser to destroy the sweat glands in the armpit - laser sweat ablation (LSA). This may result in less scarring than other surgical techniques.

For palm sweating - an option is to have an operation to cut some of the nerves that run down the side of the spinal cord. These nerves control the sweat glands in the hands. The operation is called a ' thorascopic sympathectomy'. It is done by 'key-hole' surgery using a special telescope to locate the nerve, and then to cut the nerve. Most people are pleased with the result of the operation. However, a complication that often occurs following this operation is a compensatory increase in sweating in other parts of the body (such as in the chest or groin). This can be worse than the original problem in the hands. Because of this effect, a number of people who have this operation say that they regret having it done.

Before you undergo surgery, you should have a full discussion with the surgeon. He or she will explain the pros and cons of the different surgical techniques, chance of success (usually high), and possible risks and complications. For example, as with any other type of surgery, there is a small risk from the anaesthetic. Also, wound infection and damage to other nearby structures, although uncommon, are other possible complications.

Surgery is not usually done for sweating of the soles. Although cutting the nerves next to the spinal cord in the lower back region may cure the problem of sweating, there is a high risk of this also affecting sexual function.

Further help and information

Hyperhidrosis Support Group Web: www.hyperhidrosisuk.org This is a web-based group offering advice and support to people suffering from hyperhidrosis (excess sweating).

Rate this!