When should I have surgery to treat hyperhidrosis?

Increased sweating of hands and feet (also known as sweating of the palms and feet) comes from overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Laparoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is currently considered a radical, minimally invasive and highly effective surgical treatment method for this disease. However, choosing the appropriate time and age for surgery is always a big concern for many patients and their families.

Laparoscopic thoracic sympathectomy surgery can be applied to many ages, from teenagers to adults and middle-aged adults, depending on the medical condition and physical condition eligible for anesthesia. However, intervention in each age group will have its own considerations.

Adolescents and puberty are the times when the child’s body has many changes in the endocrine system, the development of the nervous system and organs. The doctor will carefully consider the benefits and risks, evaluate the impact of the disease on learning, living, and psychology, and fully advise on possible complications.

For adults, surgery is often considered when conservative treatment is ineffective, because the patient can decide for themselves on treatment and comply with good post-operative monitoring. However, age is not the only factor. Indications for surgery need to be individualized based on the severity of the disease, health status and wishes of each patient.

During the time before surgery, parents can help reduce their child’s discomfort with simple measures such as keeping hands, feet and armpits clean and dry, and choosing loose-fitting clothes that can absorb sweat well. Children should maintain a scientific diet and lifestyle. In some cases, doctors may also consider conservative treatment methods such as topical medications containing aluminum salts, iontophoresis or other treatments depending on the severity of the disease and the child’s age.

When they reach the appropriate age and need thorough treatment, the patient can go to the hospital for in-depth examination and consultation. With the support of modern machinery and equipment systems, doctors can clearly observe the anatomical structures in the chest, accurately ablate sympathetic ganglia, minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue, shorten surgery time, and recover quickly.

If a child or adult experiences excessive sweating accompanied by abnormal signs such as fatigue, anorexia, unexplained weight loss, prolonged fever, fatigue, nervousness, tremors hands… need to see a doctor to determine the cause.

Not all cases of increased sweating are primary diseases, meaning they are not caused by another disease. Some cases are manifestations of endocrine diseases, metabolic disorders, infections or systemic diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the correct cause to choose the appropriate treatment method.