The increased sweat production in hyperhidrosis can affect the whole body or only be particularly pronounced on certain parts of the body. Typically, the hands, armpits or feet are most affected. Many of those affected believe that they have to put up with increased sweating because they do not know that there are treatment options, but are very disturbed by it.
Although it is possible to quantify the severity of increased sweating in comparison with the general population (iodine strength tests, gravimetry, etc.), the diagnosis is usually made clinically and on the basis of the patient’s level of suffering. Laboratory diagnostics for excessive sweating will be carried out if other illnesses, such as thyroid disease or hormonal disorders, are to be ruled out.
In addition to various local treatment options such as deodorants, aluminum hydroxide cream or iontophoresis for sweating of the hands and feet, there are also drug treatment options (anticholinergics, beta blockers, neuroleptics).
Another treatment option is the local injection of botulinum toxin. This treatment must be repeated when the effect wears off (usually after 3 to 6 months). The price is determined individually and is based on expenditure and consumption. The treatment costs are often not covered by health insurance.
Thoracoscopic sympathectomy offers a definitive solution. This involves severing or removing a circumscribed part of the sympathetic borderline pathway that regulates sweating in the corresponding region. This procedure is minimally invasive and involves keyhole surgery. The operation is performed under anesthesia and requires a one-day (outpatient) hospital stay.
The operation usually drains the patient’s hands completely. Mild increased sweating (compensatory hyperhidrosis) often occurs on other parts of the body after the operation (approx. 50%), but the majority of patients who have undergone surgery do not find this very bothersome. In 1.5 to 2 percent of cases, however, patients are severely impaired by the compensatory sweating, and significantly more so than they were due to the original extent of the hyperhidrosis. Some are very disturbed by this in everyday life.
It is extremely rare for a so-called Horner syndrome to occur after the operation. This means that the upper eyelid hangs slightly and the pupil is slightly narrower. However, this has no effect on visual performance. In experienced hands, however, this can be prevented.
You can either register yourself or be referred by your primary care physician or gynecologist.
Easily assign your patient online.