VATS Sympathectomy Surgical Procedure in Dubai at DRHC

Understanding VATS Sympathectomy

VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery) sympathectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or Raynaud's disease (a condition that affects blood flow to the fingers and toes). This procedure involves cutting or clamping the sympathetic nerves that control sweating or blood flow in the affected area. VATS sympathectomy is commonly performed to address hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), facial blushing, and certain types of chronic pain.

During a VATS sympathectomy, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the chest and inserts a small camera and specialized instruments through the incisions. The camera allows the surgeon to visualize the sympathetic nerves and surrounding structures on a monitor, while the instruments are used to cut or clamp the nerves.

Indications for VATS Sympathectomy

• Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating, particularly of the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis), armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis), face, and feet.
• Facial Blushing: Severe and frequent blushing that affects quality of life.
• Raynaud's Phenomenon: A condition where blood flow to the extremities is reduced, causing discoloration and pain in response to cold or stress.
• Chronic Pain: Certain types of chronic pain that are mediated by the sympathetic nervous system, such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

The VATS Sympathectomy Procedure

1. Preoperative Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation, including a review of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and previous treatments, to determine the suitability of the procedure.
2. Anesthesia: The patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort and immobility during the procedure.
3. Incision and Thoracoscope Insertion: Small incisions are made in the chest wall, and a thoracoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) is inserted to provide a clear view of the sympathetic nerve chain.
4. Interruption of the Sympathetic Chain: Using specialized instruments, the surgeon cuts or clamps the sympathetic nerves at specific levels, depending on the condition being treated.
5. Closure and Recovery: The incisions are closed with sutures, and the patient is monitored in the recovery area for a short period.

Benefits of VATS Sympathectomy

• Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions result in less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
• High Success Rate: Particularly effective for treating hyperhidrosis, with a high rate of patient satisfaction.
• Improved Quality of Life: Provides significant relief from symptoms, improving overall quality of life for patients with hyperhidrosis, facial blushing, and certain chronic pain conditions.

Risks and Complications

While VATS sympathectomy is generally safe, potential risks include:

• Compensatory sweating (sweating in other areas of the body)
• Horner’s syndrome (a rare complication affecting the eye and face)
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Anesthesia-related complications

Postoperative Care and Follow-Up

After the procedure, patients are monitored in the recovery room and typically discharged within 24 hours. Postoperative care includes:

• Pain Management: Medications to control pain and discomfort.
• Activity Restrictions: Recommendations for gradually resuming normal activities.
• Follow-Up Visits: Scheduled appointments to monitor recovery, assess the effectiveness of the procedure, and manage any complications.

VATS sympathectomy is associated with less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. It is usually performed under general anesthesia and may require a hospital stay of several days to several weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient's condition.

In Dubai, VATS sympathectomy is typically performed by highly skilled and experienced thoracic surgeons who specialize in the treatment of hyperhidrosis and Raynaud's disease. The surgeons at the Dubai Thoracic Surgery Clinic, located at the Dr. Rami Hamed Center, have extensive experience in performing VATS sympathectomy and work closely with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients undergoing this procedure.

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