HYPERHIDROSIS SURGERY IN MURCIA
SURGERY FOR SWEATING IN THE HANDS AND ARMPITS (PRIMARY PALMAR/AXILLARY HYPERHIDROSIS)
Primary hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating of the palms of the hands, feet or armpits without being caused by any known underlying disease. It is due to increased activity in a part of our nervous system (the sympathetic nervous system). This sympathetic system physically runs like a fibrous cord inside the chest, as if it were a motorway carrying information, and is called the sympathetic chain.
Normally, patients affected by this condition suffer social limitations, as they experience situations such as not being able to write on paper, type, shake hands or caress, use tools or musical instruments, etc. These situations can lead to insecurities when entering the workplace or in personal relationships.
There are different options for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis, such as topical antiperspirants, systemic medications, iontophoresis or the application of botulinum toxin, as non-invasive alternatives. Generally, patients with profuse sweating do not usually find relief with these alternatives.
UNIPORTAL VIDEO-ASSISTED THORACOSCOPIC LASER SYMPATHECTOMY
Thoracic surgery for primary hyperhidrosis consists of the sectioning of the sympathetic chain at different levels depending on the patient’s degree of sweating. The technique is performed through a single 12mm incision in each armpit, through which a scope and endoscopic surgical instruments are introduced.
A technical aspect that is rarely explained is how the sympathetic chain is sectioned. Traditionally, a monopolar scalpel was used. Today, we can perform the sectioning with laser.
WHAT ADVANTAGE DOES LASER OFFER?
The laser causes less thermal dispersion, less collateral damage to surrounding tissues and greater precision by using more controlled energy.
In minimally invasive thoracic surgery, thermal control is essential. It is not just about cutting. It is about doing so with precision and anatomical respect.
Among the benefits of uniportal videothoracoscopy (Uniportal VATS) are excellent anatomical visualization, greater surgical precision, less trauma to the chest wall, less postoperative pain, better aesthetic results and a faster recovery with early return to normal activity.