Hi dave1979,
Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy, better known as ETS, is not something you "try". No matter whether you are cut or clamped, this surgery causes damage to your sympathetic nervous system and affects many vital bodily functions....this includes the lungs and if you already have asthma, it may very well get worse.
The surgery is marketed as "reversible" if you have the clamped method done (some refer to it as clipped). I know of dozens of people who have had the clamps removed (some in as few as 8 days) struggling to reverse the side effects from the surgery.
The side effects of ETS may not show up immediately and often develop after a "honeymoon" period of bliss. Compensatory sweating is the most common side effect and you could end up having to change your clothing several times a day because you are soaked in sweat. Other side effects can include thermoregulation disturbance, mental fogginess, impotence, anhidrosis, hair loss. There are many more side effects but I have listed enough to make you stop and think about what this surgery could cause.
There are people who claim the surgery changed their life for the better. However, who will and who will not suffer severe side effects is unknown. There has not been one tried and true method that will insure you will have a good outcome, nor has there been any surgeon who hasn't had his/her share of failures. I think I saw that you are located in the UK. Often the surgeons there will do only one side at a time, believing that if you develop the side effects, the patient does not have to have the other side done. The patient is then left in a permanent state of feeling unbalanced.
ETS for underarms (axillary) has one of the lowest satisfaction rates which is another thing to consider.
You would have to work with your doctor but there are other things you can try such as Botox, iontophoresis machines, medications such as Ditropan or glycopyrrolate. Please try alternative methods of making your condition less invasive before going through the surgery. You can do simple things like learning how to dress to cover up the sweat. There are undergarments available with shields that stop perspiration from soaking through.
There are a lot of sites on the web where you can find more information. Just do a search on hyperhidrosis. You will need to wade through many surgeon's sites who market ETS, but other sites are available.
I hope you take the time and do your research carefully. I wish I could post links to some of the sites but I believe we can't do that here.
