Gangnam Severance Achieves 300 Cases of Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy for Palmar Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Shorter Surgery Time and Faster Effect... Fewer Side Effects

Gangnam Severance Hospital's Hyperhidrosis Clinic has achieved 300 cases of endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy for the treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The thoracic surgery team of Professors Moon Deok-hwan, Lee Seong-su, and Kim Young-woong at Yonsei University Gangnam Severance Hospital announced on the 25th that they have achieved 300 cases of endoscopic abdominal sympathectomy for the treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis, the first of its kind in Korea.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating on the hands, armpits, feet, and other areas. Rather than sweating occurring in just one area, it often happens simultaneously in multiple areas. Although the feet are less visible compared to the hands or armpits, they cause more inconvenience in daily life. Due to shoes, ventilation is difficult, and even slight activity can cause severe odor or skin conditions such as eczema to occur simultaneously. Excessive sweating on the soles can make it difficult to wear high heels or slippers and can cause slipping. Many patients also suffer from Raynaud's phenomenon, experiencing pain from cold toes as if frostbitten when the weather gets cold.

Hyperhidrosis is usually first treated conservatively with medications, iontophoresis, or Botox, and surgery is considered if these treatments are ineffective. Typical hyperhidrosis surgery involves thoracic sympathectomy, which is effective for the hands and armpits but has little effect on plantar hyperhidrosis.

To treat plantar hyperhidrosis, an 'abdominal sympathectomy' must be performed. The conventional alcohol injection method has the drawback of only temporary effectiveness. Endoscopic abdominal sympathectomy allows for treatment close to a complete cure. The surgery takes about an hour, shows immediate effects compared to conservative treatments, and rarely causes compensatory hyperhidrosis. However, the surgery is challenging because important blood vessels, nerves, and ureters pass near the surgical site.

Professor Moon Deok-hwan explained, "Recently, abdominal sympathectomy has become well known, and many patients are seeking it. After surpassing 100 cases last year, we have performed 300 cases within a year." He added, "Surgery is the best treatment for plantar hyperhidrosis. It is highly effective with few side effects. Since hyperhidrosis often occurs simultaneously on the hands, armpits, and feet, it is best to receive treatment from a thoracic surgery specialist who can perform both thoracic and abdominal sympathectomy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.