Thoracoscopic (VATS) Sympathectomy for Hyperhidrosis

Note: Thoracoscopic (VATS) Sympathectomy is also known as Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS)

Stanford surgeons have performed approximately over 200 sympathectomies over the past 10 years, representing a very extensive experience and demonstrating our significant commitment to the care of patients with hyperhidrosis. All of our surgeons have a particular interest in this condition.

Hyperhidrosis is a debilitating condition that affects nearly one percent of the population. It is characterized by excessive sweating that can be socially embarrassing, career restricting, and in some cases may even be disabling. Patients with hyperhidrosis suffer from excessive sweating that commonly involves one or several parts of the body, including the hands, feet, axillae (underarms), or less often the face. It can be triggered by exercise, stress, and/or embarrassment, but most commonly it is completely without obvious triggers. Hyperhidrosis most commonly presents itself as extreme—even dripping—wetness of the hands, rendering the patient too uncomfortable to shake hands, making paperwork and writing difficult, and often leading to uncomfortable skin conditions.
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The Division of Thoracic Surgery in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Stanford School of Medicine is located in the San Francisco Bay Area in northern California. For more information about our services, please contact Donna Yoshida at (650) 721-2086 or Cliff David at (650) 721-6400. For new patient Thoracic Surgery Clinic Scheduling, please call (650) 498-6000.