Hyperhidrosis (sweaty palms) is a condition which results in excessive sweating. The sweating occurs at unpredictable times and is not limited to conditions of excess heat or warmth. Anxiety can worsen the sweating, which most commonly affects the hands, feet, and armpits.
Overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system is an underlying cause of hyperhidrosis. Surgical sympathectomy is a procedure which divides a portion of the sympathetic nervous system and reduces the amount of sweating. This minimally invasive operation uses small endoscopes through the armpit to divide the sympathetic nerves. Typical hospital stay after the operation is 1-2 days and most patients have reduced sweating shortly after surgery.