Question 1

What is the success rate following ETS?

Accepted Answer

For sweaty hands it is very close to 100%, importantly the benefit is permanent.

Question 2

What are the main risks of the procedure?

Accepted Answer

We do everything to make this procedure as safe as possible. Compensatory sweating (CS) is where you now sweat more in another area of your body. This is common (30-40%), but generally mild. However, in one in 50 cases, CS can be troublesome, equal to or worse than the original problem. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to predict.

Horner's Syndrome (droopy eye lid and constricted pupil) is extremely rare, occurring in less than 1 in 1000 cases.

Gustatory sweating is where you sweat on your face following eating, particularly in response to spicy foods. 3% of patients and is generally mild.

Question 3

How long will I need to stay in hospital?

Accepted Answer

Almost all patients stay overnight and are discharged the following morning. If the procedure is performed early in the day, patients can go home the same day, as long as a responsible adult is at home to care for the patient.

Question 4

How much time off work will I require?

Accepted Answer

Recommended is one week off work, especially if the work is of a physical nature. Some chest and back pain are common in the first week, and often requires anti-inflammatory medications such as Nurofen to control the pain. A number of patients return to work earlier.

Question 5

How long after the procedure can I fly?

Accepted Answer

Most patients are fit to fly 3-4 days after the procedure.

Question 6

How is the ETS performed?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways of performing a sympathectomy, including cutting the nerve, clamping the nerve, excising or ablating the nerve. At NWV, we apply the ablation (by electro-cautery) method.

Question 7

In which hospitals is the procedure performed?

Accepted Answer

John Fawkner Hospital, 275 Moreland Road, Coburg 3058
Cabrini Hospital, 183 Wattletree Road, Malvern 3144
Jessie McPherson Hospital, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton 3168
Western Private Hospital, 1-9 Marion Street, Footscray VIC 3011

All hospitals have state of the Art facilities with first class nursing care.

ETS Procedure for Excessive Facial Blushing