How effective is sympathectomy?
The overall effectiveness of sympathectomy is around 98%. However, studies show that choosing a thoracic surgeon can significantly reduce complications. Specialized thoracic surgeons are key to minimizing risks such as pneumothorax and compensatory sweating, greatly enhancing the likelihood of a successful and safe outcome.
Effectiveness Data on Sympathectomy with Thoracic Surgeons
This study focuses on the outcomes of sympathectomy surgeries performed by specialized thoracic surgeons, highlighting high patient satisfaction and effective management of minor complications. Compensatory sweating was mild in most cases, emphasizing the importance of selecting an expert surgeon to minimize risks and optimize results.
High Satisfaction Rate: 100% of patients reported immediate improvement in palmar hyperhidrosis symptoms after sympathectomy, underscoring the procedure’s effectiveness when performed by specialized surgeons.
Minor Complications: 9% of patients experienced manageable complications, such as pneumothorax, which did not impact the overall success of the surgery.
Compensatory Sweating: 35.5% of patients reported mild compensatory sweating, with only 1.7% experiencing intolerable symptoms. This suggests that while compensatory sweating is common, it is rarely severe.
Importance of a Specialized Surgeon: These data underscore the importance of choosing an experienced thoracic surgeon to minimize complications and enhance postoperative outcomes.
Sympathectomy Results in Colombia: As Effective as in the United States
While the thoracoscopic sympathectomy study published by CTSNet was conducted in the United States and highlights the results achieved by highly trained North American thoracic surgeons, we can attest firsthand to the outstanding outcomes of Colombian thoracic surgeons who have treated our patients for over 16 years.
Most of these surgeons, located across various Colombian cities, have between 13 and 18 years of experience and have performed thousands of sympathectomies. It’s clear that they are fully prepared to achieve the same levels of success and safety described in the study. Their extensive experience ensures that patients in Colombia receive top-tier care comparable to that in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Question About Surgery for Excessive Sweating
These are the potential complications of sympathectomy surgery to address excessive sweating, which can vary in likelihood depending on the skill and experience of the surgeon performing the procedure:
- Compensatory sweating – increased sweating in other areas of the body.
- Gustatory sweating – sweating triggered by eating or smelling certain foods.
- Intercostal neuralgia – nerve pain in the chest area.
- Pneumothorax – air leakage into the chest cavity.
- Bleeding – risk of bleeding during or after surgery.
- Infection – potential for infection at the surgical site.
- Nerve paralysis or functional changes – possible impact on nerves involved in the procedure.
- Horner’s syndrome – drooping of the eyelid, changes in pupil size, or dryness of the face on one side.
- Chronic pain – persistent discomfort that may occur post-surgery.
Choosing a skilled and experienced thoracic surgeon can help minimize these risks, providing a safer and more effective treatment for excessive sweatin
