Thoracic Sugery Department

Sweaty Palms Los angeles and Beverly Hills

The Department of Thoracic Surgery at La Peer Health Systems deals specifically with the treatment of hyperhidrosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Our thoracic surgery experts understand the immediate and long-term consequences of hyperhidrosis and GERD. As such, our thoracic surgery expert dedicate the necessary time and resources to help patients achieve long-lasting relief from hyperhidrosis and GERD symptoms.

WHAT IS HYPERHIDROSIS?

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive and unpredictable sweating. For many individuals, profuse sweating may lead to anxiety or embarrassment. It also may lead people to avoid physical interactions with others or avoid social gatherings.

TYPES OF HYPERHIDROSIS

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: focal and generalized. Focal hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating that occurs in one area of the body such as the palms or soles. Comparatively, generalized hyperhidrosis involves excessive sweating that affects the entire body.

HYPERHIDROSIS SYMPTOMS

Common hyperhidrosis symptoms include:

  • Frequent sweating
  • Skin irritation
  • Clammy or sweaty hands
  • Clammy or wet soles
  • Excess sweat that soaks through clothing

IS HYPERHIDROSIS COMMON?

Recent data indicates hyperhidrosis affects millions of individuals across the United States. Hyperhidrosis symptoms typically begin during adolescence, but safe, effective treatments are available to address these issues.

HYPERHIDROSIS TREATMENTS IN LOS ANGELES

Hyperhidrosis is unique in that many of its effects are psychological and emotional. Excessive sweating can wreak havoc on your daily life. Shoes can fill up with sweat, t-shirts can be soaked and game controllers could be left soggy after just a few minutes of video games — and each of these issues can cause immense embarrassment. Treatment for excessive sweating will not only correct the biological problems but also the emotional aspects associated with hyperhidrosis as well.

The hyperhidrosis treatments performed at La Peer Health Systems include a minimally invasive surgery called thoracoscopic sympathectomy. The highly technical nature of the procedure requires advanced knowledge in minimally invasive thoracic surgery. For this reason, a thoracic surgeon is ideally equipped to perform hyperhidrosis surgery with the best results and the lowest risk of complications. At La Peer Health Systems, our thoracic surgeons are leading experts in their field and have even edited the internationally acclaimed medical textbook “Atlas of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery (VATS).”

WHAT IS GERD?

GERD is a digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid flows back from the esophagus (tube that connects the mouth and stomach). In this instance, backwash damages the lining of the esophagus, resulting in acid reflux.

GERD SYMPTOMS

There are many GERD symptoms, and these include:

  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Dry cough
  • Bad breath
  • Heartburn
  • Regurgitation of food
  • Feeling of a lump in the back of the throat

If an individual experiences one or more of the aforementioned GERD symptoms, it is important to seek immediate treatment. In fact, GERD symptoms that go unaddressed could cause long-lasting health problems.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF GERD IS NOT TREATED?

GERD is difficult to ignore, and those who experience GERD symptoms for an extended period of time may face an increased risk of Barrett’s esophagus. This condition causes cells in the esophagus to become precancerous due to long-term irritation.

Chronic GERD also has been linked to esophageal ulcers and narrowing of the esophagus. Esophageal ulcers form due to excess stomach acid and cause bleeding and pain. Narrowing of the esophagus occurs due to excess stomach acid in the lower esophagus that causes scar tissue to form. When this occurs, an individual may experience difficulty swallowing.

GERD TREATMENTS IN LOS ANGELES

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is an incision-free treatment designed to alleviate chronic acid reflux symptoms. It has been shown to reduce a GERD patient’s risk of excess stomach acid that otherwise can cause long-lasting damage to the esophagus.

A TIF procedure is performed under anesthesia to ensure a patient experiences no pain or discomfort. After a patient is sedated, the surgeon inserts an FDA-approved EsophyX device through the mouth and into the esophagus. Next, the device recreates the natural valve at the point where the stomach and esophagus meet and prevents acid from washing back into the esophagus.

TIF surgery usually requires about one hour to complete. The procedure has minimal side effects, and a recent study indicated that 70% of patients remained symptom-free two years after undergoing a TIF procedure.

CONTACT A LOS ANGELES THORACIC SURGEON TODAY

La Peer Health Systems employs renowned thoracic surgeons and leading experts in minimally invasive thoracic surgery and the comprehensive management of hyperhidrosis. Our thoracic surgeons work with patients to understand their hyperhidrosis and GERD symptoms and determine the best-possible treatments. We also will explain how different types of hyperhidrosis and GERD treatments are performed and addresses any patient concerns or questions.

If you suffer from excessive sweating due to hyperhidrosis or GERD that interferes with your daily activities, please contact us today at (855) 360-9119 to schedule a consultation.

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