Hyperhidrosis surgery, also known as Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS), is a medical procedure designed to treat severe cases of hyperhidrosis, where patients experience excessive sweating, typically under the armpits, on the palms, or on the face. The surgery involves making small incisions in the patient’s chest through which a tiny camera, known as an endoscope, and surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon locates the sympathetic nerves responsible for excessive sweating and carefully cuts, clips, or destroys these nerves to interrupt the signals that cause hyperhidrosis. ETS is usually performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that the patient is unconscious and free of pain during the procedure.

Post-surgery, patients are usually monitored for a few hours in a recovery room. They may experience temporary side effects such as pain in the chest area, difficulty breathing, or compensatory sweating where other parts of the body produce more sweat to compensate for the areas that have been treated. Most patients can return to normal activities within a week, although strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks. The success rate of ETS is generally high, with many patients experiencing significant or complete reduction in excessive sweating. However, it is important for patients to discuss potential risks and complications with their surgeon before undergoing the procedure.