Review of the surgical technique for the treatment of hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that affects 3% of the general population and intereferes in social, professional and emotional spheres. A growing awareness of this condition and the possibility of treatment have led to an increase in patient demand for effective therapeutic measures. Up until the present moment, thoracoscopic sympathectomy is still the most efficient option for a definite control of excessive sweating. The authors will review the history of sympathectomy, basic anatomical and physiological details and discuss the main indication for video-assisted thoracoscopy sympathectomy (essential hyperhidrosis), summarizing technical details, surgical results and complications, as well as alternatives to sympathectomy.