Sympathectomy

Sympathectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at interrupting nerve signals in the sympathetic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like sweating, blood pressure, and heart rate. At Emirates Hospitals, sympathectomy is most commonly used to treat hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating in areas such as the hands, feet, and underarms. The procedure is also beneficial for individuals suffering from Raynaud’s disease, chronic pain, and some vascular conditions, where the sympathetic nerves contribute to abnormal blood flow or discomfort. With the use of advanced techniques and cutting-edge technology, Emirates Hospitals offers a safe, effective solution to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from these debilitating conditions.

How Sympathectomy Works

The procedure typically involves targeting specific areas of the sympathetic nerves in the thoracic region, where these nerves control sweating and blood flow in the upper body and extremities. Sympathectomy can be performed through minimally invasive surgery, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which allows for smaller incisions, reduced recovery time, and minimal scarring. The surgery works by severing or removing part of the sympathetic nerve chain that controls excessive sweating.

Conditions Treated with Sympathectomy:

• Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating in the hands, feet, and underarms.
• Raynaud’s Disease: A condition where blood vessels constrict excessively in response to cold or stress.
• Chronic Pain: Pain caused by overactive sympathetic nerve activity.
• Vascular Disorders: Conditions related to abnormal blood flow that can be improved through nerve disruption.

For patients with hyperhidrosis, the procedure offers significant relief. Sweating can be a constant and embarrassing issue, but sympathectomy has proven to be highly effective in stopping or significantly reducing excessive sweat production in the hands, feet, and underarms. In addition to hyperhidrosis, sympathectomy can provide long-term relief for patients with vascular diseases like Raynaud’s disease, where the blood vessels constrict excessively in response to cold or stress. Sympathectomy helps by altering the nerve pathways responsible for constricting these blood vessels, allowing for better circulation and reducing symptoms.

Benefits of Sympathectomy at Emirates Hospitals:

• Effective Treatment for Hyperhidrosis: Significant reduction or cessation of excessive sweating.
• Minimally Invasive Approach: Small incisions, faster recovery, and minimal scarring.
• Experienced Surgeons: A skilled team specializing in sympathetic nerve surgeries.
• Personalized Care: Customized treatment plans based on individual patient needs.
• Long-Term Relief: Relief from conditions like Raynaud’s disease and chronic pain.