Sweating Clinic (Hyperhidrosis)

Specialists in surgery for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

The Sweat Clinic at Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital treats people with persistent excessive sweating of the hands, armpits or face when medical treatments have failed to control the symptoms and a surgical solution is being considered.

Primary hyperhidrosis is a functional disorder of the sympathetic nervous system that causes excessive stimulation of the sweat glands. As a result, intense sweating occurs even at rest or in cold environments, unrelated to ambient temperature or physical activity.

At the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital, this condition is treated using minimally invasive thoracic surgery techniques, which allow the nerve responsible for excessive sweating to be targeted directly through small incisions, facilitating a rapid recovery and an early return to normal activities.

The clinic is staffed by specialists with extensive experience in minimally invasive thoracic surgery, enabling them to perform these procedures with precision and ensuring a rapid recovery for the majority of patients.

When to consider surgical treatment

Primary hyperhidrosis usually appears from an early age and can persist for years, having a significant impact on daily life.

Many patients find it difficult to carry out everyday activities such as writing, handling objects, using electronic devices or socialising with others. In both work and personal settings, excessive sweating can cause discomfort, a lack of confidence or limitations in situations requiring direct interaction.

Often, before considering surgery, medical treatments such as specific antiperspirants, iontophoresis or botulinum toxin injections have been tried. Although these options may help to reduce sweating in some cases, their effect is usually temporary or insufficient when hyperhidrosis is severe.

When symptoms persist despite these measures or significantly affect quality of life, surgery can offer an effective and long-lasting solution.

Patients who may benefit from surgery

The Sweat Clinic assesses patients with localised primary hyperhidrosis, which mainly affects:

• Palms of the hands

• Armpits

• Face

• Feet

Each case is assessed on an individual basis, taking into account the severity of the sweating, its progression over time and the impact it has on the patient’s daily life.

Surgical treatment is recommended once a diagnosis of primary hyperhidrosis has been confirmed and it has been established that other therapeutic measures have failed to control the problem satisfactorily.

Specialist assessment prior to treatment

The diagnosis of primary hyperhidrosis is primarily clinical and is based on a detailed assessment of the characteristics of the sweating and its progression.

During the specialist consultation, the affected areas, the severity of the symptoms and the circumstances in which excessive sweating occurs are examined. The patient’s medical history is also reviewed in order to rule out possible causes of secondary sweating, such as endocrine disorders, infections or certain medications.

In most cases, this assessment confirms the diagnosis and determines whether the patient is a suitable candidate for surgical treatment.

When surgery is being considered, a pre-operative assessment is also carried out to ensure the safety of the procedure.

Surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis

Surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis is carried out using video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy, a minimally invasive thoracic surgical technique that targets the sympathetic nervous system responsible for excessive sweating.

During the procedure, the surgeon accesses the sympathetic chain via small incisions in the chest, using a high-definition camera and specialised instruments that allow for highly precise work within the chest cavity.

Depending on the individual case, nerve transmission can be interrupted using various techniques, including the placement of titanium clips on the sympathetic chain (clipping technique), with the aim of blocking the signals responsible for excessive sweating.

This is a short procedure which, in many patients, results in an immediate reduction in sweating in the affected areas.

Thanks to the minimally invasive approach, recovery is usually rapid and most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days.

Expert team and clinical support

Care at the Sweat Clinic is based on a model that combines specialist surgical expertise with an individualised assessment of each patient.

During the consultation, the specialist takes the time needed to explain the diagnosis, review the various treatment options and answer any questions relating to the procedure. The patient receives detailed information about the procedure, its objectives and any possible side effects, which enables them to make an informed and confident decision.

The care model at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital prioritises a clear explanation of each clinical process, allowing sufficient time to address any queries, and supporting the patient throughout all stages of treatment.

Following the procedure, clinical follow-up is carried out to assess the patient’s progress and confirm that symptoms have resolved, ensuring continuous and coordinated care.