If you have been living with excessive sweating or focal hyperhidrosis for some time, chances are you may have or currently contemplating a surgical solution. Hopefully you have tried other options as surgery is recommended only as a last alternative treatment. You should also be aware of the potential drawbacks associated with surgery before you commit to this option. |
The bad news is that a significant proportion, more than 9/10 people, developed compensatory sweating. More than half (27/43) had to change their their clothes more than once daily. The compensatory sweating was graded as severe in 18 of 43 individuals and 2 people rated their sweating as incapacitating.
In a few patients, 5/43, the compensatory sweating had improved over time. Here is the bottom line: 26/43 or 56% of the patients said that they would recommend surgery (thoracoscopic sympathectomy) to others with hyperhidrosis. If you are thinking about surgery, make sure you are well informed. Talk to health professionals and if possible to others who have had the procedure. Ask your surgeon about his/her experience with the procedure (e.g. how many procedures he/she has done, success rate, possible complications during and after the procedure etc.). Your surgeon should know the answers to all your questions. You want to be as informed as possible before you decide to have a surgical procedure.
* Currie AC et.al. Int J Surg, 2011;(9)5:437-9.