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Advanced, Minimally Invasive Care for Excessive Sweating
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE for serious and complex care and a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, is transforming lives through its innovative approach to treating hyperhidrosis. This case exemplifies SSMC’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class care and pioneering healthcare innovation across the UAE.
This condition, characterised by excessive sweating beyond normal temperature regulation, can significantly impair quality of life, causing functional challenges like difficulty writing or gripping objects and social issues such as embarrassment and anxiety. SSMC’s advanced robotic thoracic sympathectomy procedure offers hope to patients with severe, refractory hyperhidrosis, delivering life-changing results with minimal invasiveness and exceptional precision.
Meera, an 18-year-old patient, experienced the profound impact of this procedure at SSMC. Since childhood, Meera suffered from severe axillary, palmar, and plantar hyperhidrosis, which led to bullying and social challenges that affected her daily life. Previous treatments, including creams, medications, and Botox injections, proved painful and ineffective.
Under the care of Dr. Puja G. Khaitan, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at SSMC, Dr. Mostafa Eldewer, Cardiothoracic Specialist at SSMC and Dr. Omar Al Afeefi, General Surgery Specialist at SSMC, Meera underwent a single-port robotic thoracic sympathectomy – a procedure that used two robotic arms through a single 1-inch incision on each side to remove a segment of the sympathetic nerve. The 45-minute surgery, performed with staged single-lung ventilation, resulted in immediate relief from excessive sweating. Discharged the same day, Meera later shared on Instagram: “This was the best decision I ever made. You saved my life!”
Her axillary and plantar hyperhidrosis were also resolved, dramatically improving her confidence and quality of life. Meera’s story highlights the hereditary nature of hyperhidrosis and the importance of accessible, effective treatment options. It reflects SSMC’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge, patient-centred solutions to complex medical challenges in the UAE.
Dr. Khaitan said: “This procedure represents a significant advancement, at SSMC, in treating focal hyperhidrosis, particularly affecting the palms and axillae, caused by overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. While initial treatments like topical antiperspirants, oral medications, or botulinum toxin injections are often tried, they may fail to provide lasting relief. For severe cases, thoracic sympathectomy offers success rates exceeding 90% for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.”
Historically, the procedure required invasive open thoracotomy, but modern techniques have evolved. SSMC employs Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and, more recently, single-port robotic sympathectomy, which uses a single incision hidden in the axilla or perimammary crease. This cutting-edge approach, supported by robotic platforms with 3D visualisation and enhanced precision, minimises pain, speeds recovery, and delivers superior cosmetic outcomes. Though compensatory sweating may occur in 30–60% of patients, SSMC’s multidisciplinary team carefully counsels patients to ensure informed decision-making.
Dr. Abdulqader Almessabi, Chief Medical Officer of SSMC, commented: “Our commitment to pioneering innovative treatments like robotic thoracic sympathectomy reflects SSMC’s dedication to transforming lives through advanced, patient-centred care. Meera’s story is a testament to our mission of delivering world-class healthcare that empowers patients to live with confidence.”
