Each trunk is divided into three regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (chest) and lumbar (lower back). Note: Thoracoscopic (VATS) Sympathectomy is also known as Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) Stanford surgeons have performed approximately over 200 sympathectomies over the past 10 years, representing a very extensive experience and demonstrating our significant commitment to the care of patients with hyperhidrosis.
The following topics are covered in this section: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis of the upper limbs. Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) Recently, a minimally invasive procedure called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) was developed to treat hyperhidrosis. Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) has been performed at Osler for over 20 years. A specialized electrode can be used to apply iontophoresis to … This surgery may also be called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. The authors also found no reliable evidence of the effectiveness. The surgery may be done to help control heavy sweating of the hands. of endoscopic thoracoscopic sympathectomy for social phobia. In case you are considering an ETS surgery for Hyperhidrosis, read this first and understand that this is not the preferred, safe or only way to treat your condition. It is performed by a cardiothoracic surgeon, who destroys the nerves that control sweating in the part of your body that's affected. ETS is considered a last resort because it frequently causes serious, irreversible compensatory sweating (excessive sweating on large areas of the body or all over) as well as other dibilitating effects such as extreme hypotension, arrhythmia, and heat intolerance. Thoracoscopic sympathectomy aims to reduce excessive sweating of the face and hands and facial flushing by interrupting stimulation of sweat glands by the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nerves control sweating. Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy When conservative treatment options fail, our dermatologists may recommend this minimally invasive surgical option. However, this procedure can result in compensatory sweating, in which excess sweating occurs on the back, chest, and abdomen. Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy Page 3 of 10 http://qawww.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/300_399/0310_draft.html 05/06/2015. Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) is an outpatient procedure that can block the vicious cycle of nerve impulses that stimulate the sweat glands in your hands and underarm. Surgeons at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics now perform a new, minimally invasive procedure to safely and effectively treat hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. Thoracic (chest area) Lumbar (lower back area) Endoscopic sympathectomy can be used to treat all three regions.