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Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) surgery is an effective treatment method applied to patients suffering from excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the hands and/or armpits. Before the surgery, a detailed consultation is held with patients to provide general information about their condition, discuss alternative treatment options for the disease, and convey comprehensive information regarding the success rates and potential complications of ETS. Once the patient's consent is obtained, preparations for the surgery begin.
ETS is performed under general anesthesia. After the patient is positioned on the operating table, the procedure typically starts from the right side. A small incision, approximately 1-1.5 cm in size, is made in the armpit area to access the chest cavity (thorax). Using a Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) system, the inside of the chest is observed, and the sympathetic nerve chain responsible for excessive sweating is located. The appropriate level for sympathetic blockade is determined based on the severity and location of hand or armpit sweating.
In this surgical intervention, one of three main techniques is generally employed:
1. Resection (Cutting): The identified sympathetic nerve chain is cut, permanently interrupting nerve communication.
2. Cauterization (Burning): The sympathetic nerve chain is carefully burned, severing nerve transmission.
3. Clipping (Clamping): A special clip is applied to the sympathetic nerve, compressing it and providing blockade.
These methods can often be performed through a single incision, though in some cases, two separate incisions may be required. Following the surgery, patients can usually be discharged after controls conducted on the evening of the same day or the following day. However, a drainage procedure is mandatory after surgery to prevent the accumulation of air (pneumothorax) or lung collapse in the chest cavity. This minimizes the risk of complications and ensures the patient's health.
How is ETS surgery performed?
ETS is performed under general anesthesia. After the patient is positioned on the operating table, the procedure typically starts from the right side. A small incision, approximately 1-1.5 cm in size, is made in the armpit area to access the chest cavity (thorax). Using a Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) system, the inside of the chest is observed, and the sympathetic nerve chain responsible for excessive sweating is located. The appropriate level for sympathetic blockade is determined based on the severity and location of hand or armpit sweating.
In this surgical intervention, one of three main techniques is generally employed:
1. Resection (Cutting): The identified sympathetic nerve chain is cut, permanently interrupting nerve communication.
2. Cauterization (Burning): The sympathetic nerve chain is carefully burned, severing nerve transmission.
3. Clipping (Clamping): A special clip is applied to the sympathetic nerve, compressing it and providing blockade.
These methods can often be performed through a single incision, though in some cases, two separate incisions may be required. Following the surgery, patients can usually be discharged after controls conducted on the evening of the same day or the following day. However, a drainage procedure is mandatory after surgery to prevent the accumulation of air (pneumothorax) or lung collapse in the chest cavity. This minimizes the risk of complications and ensures the patient's health.