"Surgery - Endoscopic Sympathectomy, Treatment of Choice for Severe Hyperhidrosis. Interruption of nerve impulses to sweat glands of the palms, face, axillae (armpits) by cutting or electrocautery is called "Thoracic Sympathectomy". The ganglia (nerve junctions) which lead to the sweat glands of the palms, axillae, scalp and face are accessible through the chest (thoracic cavity) because they travel along the side of the spine of the back. Using a Micro Single Incision endoscopic technique, easy access to this area requires only a single 1/12th inch incision per side. In the past, a rib was removed or a large painful incision was required between two ribs to provide access to this area. Some surgeons today make three to four small incisions when performing endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. Dr N. has applied state-of-the-art technology to his endoscopic technique and he only makes a 1/12th inch incision per side."
(internet ad for a surgeon from the US)
My comment: That is brilliant achievement! However the operation, no matter how many holes it requires, it will have the same effects on the patient.
Surely the definition of the surgery needs some rephrasing?! The operation disrupts more than the impulses to the sweat glands. It disrupts signaling between the body and the brain, partial autonomic dysfunction, disables thermoregulation, causes revascularization of the brain, reduces heart rate and blood pressure, abolishes homeostasis...a long list really.
All these effects have been proven.
