Hyperhydrosis and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) are two disorders with a common cause and treatment. Hyperhydrosis is a commonly noted as sweaty palms and feet. Patients generally note increased sweating in the palms of their hands, feet and possibly also in the trunk.

RSD is a painful condition involving one or more of the extremities. Both of these conditions result in an overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system generally controls the "fight or flight" activities of the body. Treatment for both hyperhydrosis and RSD is injections or surgery. The surgery is a minimally invasive, transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy. Our results have been extremely positive and most patients leave the hospital the following day.

Drawing of technique for endoscopic sympathectomy used to treat hyperhydrosis (extensive sweating) and reflux sympathetic dystrophy.