Chemical Sympathetic Block for Hyperhidrosis of the Feet - Plantar Hyperhidrosis

Plantar hyperhidrosis is treaeted with Botox or iontophoresis. In some studies, up to 30 % of patients with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis have resolution following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. However, this procedure is NOT advocated for patients having plantar hyperhidrosis alone.

A recent study published in the June 30^th issue of the journal of Dermatologic Surgery (2008) evaluated the safety and the effectiveness of a chemical lumbar sympathetic block (CLSB) with alcohol in patients with severe plantar hyperhidrosis. Sixty-nine patients were treated using a single-needle or two-needle technique in 138 limbs (69 times 2). The authors reported that of 138 procedures, the number of successful blocks was 68 (49.3%) for L3 to L4 and 28 (20.3%) for L4 to L5. The degree of anhydrosis was excellent in 6 patients (8.7%), good in 32 patients (46.4%), fair in 32 patients (34.8%), and poor in 7 patients (10.1%). Of 69 patients, 56 (81.1%) were partially or fully satisfied.

Noted complications included temporary sexual dysfunction in 1 patient, compensatory hyperhidrosis in 1 patient, and transient genitofemoral neuritis in 3 patients.

The authors concluded that the “careful use of chemical lumbar sympathetic block (CLSB) on an outpatient basis can be a safe, minimally invasive, and effective treatment for severe plantar hyperhidrosis”.

For more information regarding hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Raffy at www.KareMD.com (California) and Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian at www.EliminateSweating.com . We welcome international patients and patients from every state in the USA and will make insurance arrangements and obtain authorization from your insurance for the procedures that we provide.