Endoscopic thorasic sympathectomy, commonly known as just sympathectomy, is a surgical procedure that treats excessive sweating in the palms and face, according to MedlinePlus. Sweating that is heavier than normal is called hyperhidrosis. With sympathectomy, the nerve signals that stimulate the body to sweat too much are halted. Like other surgeries, sympathectomy has risks and complications.
Horner Syndrome
According to MedlinePlus, Horner syndrome, a rare condition that affects the nerves of the face and eyes, is a possible complication of sympathectomy. The surgical procedure may interrupt the set of nerve fibers that run from the hypothalamus of the brain to the face. The symptoms of this syndrome include decreased sweating on the face, drooping eyelids called ptosis, the appearance of a sunken eyeball and constricted pupils.
Compensatory Hyperhidrosis
Compensatory hyperhidrosis is the rebound or reflux of excessive sweating on the surgically treated area, as described by the American Academy of Dermatology. Compensatory sweating is a potential side effect of sympathectomy believed to be brought about by the nerve trauma involved in the surgery.
Allergic Reactions to Medicines
In performing sympathectomy, anesthesia and nerve blocking agents are given to manage pain and discomfort, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Allergic reactions are the symptoms that are not normally expected as medication side effects. Skin rashes are the most common symptoms; breathing problems are expected to manifest if the allergic reaction becomes severe.
Damage to Arteries and Nerves
As stated by MedlinePlus, a possible complication that results from sympathectomy is damage to the arteries and nerves. Sympathectomy involves cutting and destroying nerves that stimulate excessive sweating. If not done carefully, the instrumentation of the specialized tools during surgery can affect and alter the other nerves and arteries inside the area being treated, causing damage.
Infection
Infection is an apparent complication associated with any surgical procedure including sympathectomy, says MedlinePlus. Sympathectomy involves two or three small incisions under one of the arms; this cut provides passage for the small tools that will be used during the location and destruction of the nerves. This incision will then be sutured after surgery. The risk for infection at the incision site or deeper may occur especially if sterility is not maintained.
