Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) – Diagnosis & Surgical Treatment
Hyperhidrosis is a recognised medical condition that causes excessive sweating beyond what is required to regulate body temperature. It is caused by overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and most commonly affects the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis), underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis) and feet (plantar hyperhidrosis). Sweating may be triggered by heat, stress or certain foods, but often occurs without any obvious cause.
Although hyperhidrosis is not life-threatening, it can have a significant impact on everyday life, affecting work, education, social interactions, confidence and quality of life. Many people live with symptoms for years before seeking specialist assessment.
Diagnosis
Hyperhidrosis is usually diagnosed through a detailed medical history and clinical assessment. During your consultation, Dr Igor Banzic will determine whether your symptoms are consistent with primary hyperhidrosis or whether further investigation is required to exclude an underlying medical cause.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life. Non-surgical treatment options may include:
- Prescription-strength antiperspirants
- Iontophoresis
- Botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections
- Oral medications
These treatments can be effective for some patients but may provide only temporary relief, require ongoing treatment or be associated with side effects.
Surgical Treatment – Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy
For patients with severe hyperhidrosis that has not responded to appropriate non-surgical treatment, Dr Igor Banzic offers Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy.
Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy is a minimally invasive (keyhole) procedure performed under general anaesthesia. The operation interrupts selected sympathetic nerve pathways responsible for excessive sweating of the hands and underarms, providing long-term symptom relief.
For appropriately selected patients with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis, Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy has a reported success rate of greater than 95%.
Risks & Potential Complications
As with any surgical procedure, Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy carries potential risks. These will be discussed in detail during your consultation and may include:
- Compensatory hyperhidrosis – increased sweating in another area of the body. This occurs in up to 25% of patients. In most cases it is manageable and may improve over 6–12 months.
- Horner’s syndrome – an uncommon complication affecting the sympathetic nerves supplying the face, which may alter eyelid position, pupil size and facial sweating.
- Haemothorax or pneumothorax – bleeding or air around the lung. These complications are uncommon and are usually treatable.
- General anaesthetic risks – as with any procedure performed under general anaesthesia.
- Recurrence – return of excessive sweating after surgery, which is uncommon.
Consultation
If excessive sweating is affecting your quality of life, Dr Igor Banzic can assess your symptoms, discuss all available treatment options, explain the expected benefits and potential risks of surgery, and determine whether Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy is the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
