Perspiration helps regulate body heat, and is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. In some people, the nerves controlled by the sympathetic nervous system can become overactive and cause excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis can occur in many areas of the body, but it most commonly affects the palms of the hands, underarms and soles of the feet. In the hands, hyperhidrosis is often called sweaty palms or palmar hyperhidrosais and may lead to social anxiety and fears about shaking hands or touching others. Fortunately, sweaty palms or hands can be successfully treated with minimally invasive endoscopic surgery.

At the Center for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, a technique called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is used to treat patients with hyperhidrosis. By isolating a segment of the sympathetic nerve that stimulates excessive sweating, hyperhidrosis can be cured. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy offers cosmetically pleasing outcomes, a quick recovery and a success rate of greater than 95 percent. After surgery, the patient typically remains at the hospital for an overnight stay. For several days, there is minor discomfort in the area of the armpits following surgery, which patients can relieve with oral pain medication. Total recovery typically occurs within a week after surgery.

Results of Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy

• 98 percent reduction of excessive sweating of the palms (palmar hyperhidrosis.
• 80 percent reduction of excessive sweating from underarm sweat (axillary hyperhidrosis).
• 80 percent of patients will experience added relief from underarm odor (bromhidrosis).
• 66 percent of all patients will experience added relief from excessive sweating of the feet (plantar hyperhidrosis).

For more information on hyperhidrosis and Dr. Perin, visit www.manhattanhyperhidrosiscenter.com

To make an appointment with Dr. Perin for hyperhidrosis surgery consultation, please call (212) 523-6720.

The Center for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Roosevelt Hospital
1000 Tenth Avenue (at 59th Street)
Suite 5G-80
New York, NY 10019