Hyperhidrosis: VATS Symphathectomy

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating.

Sympathectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be quite effective for patients with hyperhidrosis. It involves cutting and then electically cauterizing, or sealing, a portion of the sympathetic nerve chain that runs down the backbone, parallel to the spinal cord.

This operation permanently interrupts the nerve signal that is causing the body to sweat excessively.

Recent advances in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) have made it possible for surgeons to perform sympathectomies with only very small incisions, about 5 mm each.

Using a fiberoptic camera and small surgical instruments, the surgeon can locate and cut the right portion of the sympathetic nerve chain.

To learn more about hyperhidrosis treatments at Massachusetts General Hospital, please visit the Hyperhidrosis Surgery Center web site.

Return to VATS Overview