Endoscopic Sympathectomy

Steps Involved in IVF:

Procedure Description

Endoscopic sympathectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure primarily used to treat conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), Raynaud's disease, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The procedure involves interrupting or destroying parts of the sympathetic nerve chain, which is responsible for involuntary bodily functions. For hyperhidrosis patients, this procedure can significantly reduce sweating in specific areas like the palms, armpits, face, or feet. It works by disrupting the signals that trigger excessive sweat production.

During the surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions, typically in the armpits, to access the sympathetic nerves running along the spine. A camera-equipped endoscope is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing the surgeon to visualize the nerves on a monitor. The surgeon then either cuts, clamps, or burns the targeted nerve(s) using specialized instruments. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, the incisions are small, leading to less scarring, shorter recovery time, and lower risk of complications compared to open surgery.

The procedure is especially popular among individuals whose quality of life is significantly impacted by uncontrollable sweating, facial blushing, or other conditions related to the sympathetic nervous system. It provides long-term relief, allowing patients to engage more confidently in social, professional, and personal activities without embarrassment.

Procedure Duration

The duration of an endoscopic sympathectomy varies depending on the complexity of the case and the extent of the nerve chain that needs to be modified. Typically, the surgery takes between 30 to 60 minutes. The patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure they are completely unconscious and pain-free during the procedure. The surgeon then makes one or more small incisions through which the endoscope and instruments are inserted.

The process involves three phases: the initial access to the thoracic cavity, the identification and modification of the sympathetic nerves, and the closure of the incisions. The actual disruption or clamping of the nerves is usually swift, often taking only a few minutes for each targeted level of the nerve chain.

Recovery from endoscopic sympathectomy is relatively quick. Most patients are discharged the same day or require just an overnight hospital stay. Post-procedure, patients may experience minor discomfort in the chest or shoulder area and are usually able to resume normal activities within a few days. However, it is advisable to avoid strenuous activities for at least one to two weeks. Full recovery and optimal results are often seen within a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on individual cases.

Benefits

  • Rapid Relief from Symptoms: Provides almost immediate relief for conditions like hyperhidrosis and facial blushing.
  • Minimally Invasive: Small incisions lead to less scarring, reduced pain, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
  • High Success Rate: Known for its high rate of success in treating hyperhidrosis and other sympathetic nerve-related disorders.
  • Improved Quality of Life: Patients often experience improved social, emotional, and professional functioning due to the reduction or elimination of symptoms.
  • Permanent Solution: The effects of the procedure are typically long-lasting, offering a permanent solution to debilitating symptoms.

Potential Destinations

  • South Korea
    Known for its advanced healthcare system, South Korea is at the forefront of minimally invasive surgeries, including endoscopic sympathectomy. The country boasts state-of-the-art medical facilities, cutting-edge technology, and a strong emphasis on patient care. With a reputation for high standards of medical training, South Korean hospitals often attract medical tourists seeking safe, efficient procedures.
  • Turkey
    Turkey has become a prominent medical tourism destination due to its blend of high-quality healthcare services and affordable prices. Many surgeons in Turkey have international experience, and the hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technology. Patients can expect a combination of quality care and the opportunity to explore the country's rich culture and history.
  • India
    India is well-recognized for offering affordable healthcare services without compromising quality. Surgeons are often trained internationally, and hospitals in major cities are accredited by global organizations. Medical tourists find endoscopic sympathectomy procedures in India to be cost-effective while maintaining world-class standards.
  • Thailand
    Thailand is known for its hospitality and has built a strong reputation in the field of medical tourism. The country provides quality endoscopic sympathectomy surgeries in internationally accredited hospitals. Thailand's medical services are complemented by its serene environment and tourist-friendly infrastructure, offering patients both medical treatment and the chance to recuperate in a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Mexico
    Mexico’s proximity to the United States and Canada makes it a convenient destination for North American medical tourists. The country offers competitive pricing and high standards of healthcare, especially in larger cities and medical hubs. Surgeons skilled in endoscopic procedures are readily available, and many hospitals cater specifically to international patients.

Risks & Considerations

  • Compensatory Sweating: A common side effect where sweating occurs in different areas of the body, such as the back, abdomen, or legs, to compensate for the reduced sweating in treated areas.
  • Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): There is a risk of air leaking into the space between the lungs and chest wall, causing a partial lung collapse. While generally manageable, this condition may require additional treatment.
  • Horner's Syndrome: In rare cases, damage to certain nerve pathways can lead to drooping eyelids, constricted pupils, or lack of facial sweating on one side of the face.
  • Neuralgia: Post-operative nerve pain, although typically temporary, can sometimes occur. It may present as a burning or tingling sensation along the incision sites.
  • Recurrence of Symptoms: Although rare, there is a possibility that the symptoms being treated may return, either partially or fully, over time.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

Choosing the right doctor and hospital for an endoscopic sympathectomy is crucial for optimal results. Patients should look for board-certified thoracic surgeons or neurologists with specialized experience in endoscopic procedures. It's essential to verify their track record in performing sympathectomies and to seek testimonials or reviews from past patients.

Hospitals with a focus on minimally invasive techniques and advanced technology are preferable. They should be internationally accredited, maintaining high standards of safety, patient care, and hygiene. Patients should also consider hospitals that provide comprehensive support, including pre- and post-operative care, translation services, and assistance with travel arrangements if coming from abroad.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

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