Sympathectomy (ETS) Package
Medical Visa
Assistance
Assistance
Tele-Video
Consultation
Consultation
Language Interpretation
Services
Services
Second Medical
Opinion
Opinion
Post-Treatment
Care Coordination
Care Coordination
Coordinating care at accredited hospitals, including
Apollo HospitalsFortis HealthcareManipal HospitalsSarvodaya Hospital
Not sure where to start? Get a free medical opinion Not sure what your treatment will cost? Free, instant, itemised estimate -- treatment, visa, flights, hotel & food
What will your treatment cost?
Satyug Assistant
Online · usually replies instantly
Answers are informational, not medical advice.
Written & reviewed by Vikram Kashyap, Medical Consultant, Satyug Healthcare
·Last updated: ·Editorial policy
See the cost breakdown by option, hospital and city →
| Surgery Name | Cost | Room | Hospitalization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sympathectomy (ETS) Package | USD 3000 - USD 3500 | Private | 1 |
✓ Inclusion
- ✔Consultation and counselling with the thoracic surgeon
- ✔Pre-anaesthesia check-up, routine blood tests, thyroid test, ECG and chest X-ray
- ✔Bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy under general anaesthesia
- ✔Surgeon and anaesthetist fees
- ✔Operation theatre, thoracoscopy equipment and consumables
- ✔1 day hospital stay in a private room
- ✔Post-operative chest X-ray
- ✔Routine medicines and IV fluids during stay
- ✔Nursing care and patient diet
- ✔One follow-up review before departure
- ✔Free: airport pick-up & drop, visa invitation letter, interpreter & coordinator (Satyug Healthcare)
✗ Exclusion
- ✖Titanium clips and robotic surgery charges
- ✖ETS reversal, clip removal or nerve reconstruction (quoted separately)
- ✖Chest drain or treatment of complications
- ✖Extra hospital days beyond the package
- ✖Non-surgical treatments such as Botox or iontophoresis
- ✖Medicines after discharge
- ✖Hotel stay, food and local travel
- ✖Air tickets and visa fees
Know More About Procedure & Surgery
🇮🇳 THORACIC SURGERY PACKAGE — INDIA
Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) in India
Keyhole sympathetic nerve surgery for severe sweating of the palms, underarms and face (primary hyperhidrosis) and facial blushing that has not responded to other treatment – performed by experienced thoracic surgeons at accredited hospitals in India, with assessment for ETS reversal or nerve reconstruction where needed.
✅ Free Medical Opinion in 48–72 h🖐️ 95%+ dry palms💰 Starting USD 3,000✈️ Visa & Airport Support🗣️ Interpreter Available
⏱️
45–90 min
Surgery time
🏥
1 day
Hospital stay
📈
95–99%
Dry hands
📅
5–7 days
Total stay in India
📖 What is Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy?
Sweating is controlled by the sympathetic nerve chain, a line of nerves running along both sides of the spine inside the chest. In primary hyperhidrosis these nerves are overactive, causing heavy sweating of the palms, soles, underarms or face, without any other disease. It usually starts in childhood or the teenage years and can make writing, handshakes, using phones and social life very difficult.
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is keyhole surgery in which the surgeon reaches the sympathetic chain through 1–2 tiny cuts under each armpit using a camera (thoracoscope), and cuts, burns or clamps the nerve at a precise level (usually T3 or T4). Both sides are usually done in the same session. In patients with severe side effects after an earlier sympathectomy, specialised reversal (clip removal or nerve reconstruction with a nerve graft, sometimes robot-assisted) can be considered at selected centres, with more limited and less predictable results.
🖼️ Understand It in Pictures
💡 In simple words
In severe sweating (hyperhidrosis), overactive nerves make the hands, armpits or face sweat far more than needed. In ETS, a tiny camera is passed into the chest and the sweat nerve chain is cut or clipped. A common side effect is more sweating elsewhere.
Severe sweating vs after ETS
👀 Symptoms in Pictures
🩻 Scans & Tests — What Doctors See
🎬 The Treatment Journey in Pictures
📅 Recovery at a Glance
Drawings: Satyug Healthcare (simplified, not to scale). Photos: Wikimedia Commons; author and licence under each photo.
🩺 Conditions Treated
🖐️
Palmar hyperhidrosis
Dripping-wet palms – the condition with the best ETS results.
💦
Axillary hyperhidrosis
Heavy underarm sweating when creams and injections fail.
😊
Craniofacial sweating
Excessive sweating of the face and scalp.
😳
Facial blushing
Severe, uncontrollable blushing in carefully selected patients.
❄️
Raynaud's phenomenon (selected)
Severe hand blood-flow spasms not helped by medicines.
🔁
Post-ETS side effects
Assessment for clip removal or nerve reconstruction after earlier sympathectomy.
⚠️ Signs That May Need ETS
- ➤Sweat dripping from palms
- ➤Wet papers, phones and keyboards
- ➤Avoiding handshakes
- ➤Soaked underarm clothing
- ➤Sweating even in cool weather
- ➤Facial sweating in social situations
- ➤Started in childhood or teenage years
- ➤No benefit from creams or Botox
💡 ETS is a last-step treatment. First try strong aluminium chloride antiperspirants, tap-water iontophoresis for hands and feet, Botox injections for underarms and palms, or medicines such as oxybutynin or glycopyrrolate. Sweating caused by thyroid disease, diabetes, infections or medicines must be ruled out. ETS is mainly advised for severe palm sweating; it does not reliably help foot sweating.
🔬 Tests Before Treatment
| Test | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| Clinical assessment and sweat scoring | Confirms primary hyperhidrosis and its severity (HDSS score). |
| Thyroid function test | Rules out an overactive thyroid causing sweating. |
| Blood sugar and blood count | Rules out diabetes and other medical causes. |
| Chest X-ray | Checks the lungs and chest before keyhole surgery. |
| ECG | Checks heart rhythm because the nerves also affect the heart rate. |
| Counselling on compensatory sweating | Explains the main side effect so you can make an informed decision. |
🏥 The Procedure — Step by Step
1
Free opinion
Your history and treatments tried are reviewed by a thoracic surgeon.
2
Consultation and counselling
On arrival, the surgeon examines you and explains benefits and compensatory sweating.
3
Admission
You are admitted on the day of surgery after fasting.
4
General anaesthesia
You are fully asleep; a special breathing tube allows one lung to be rested.
5
Keyhole access
1–2 tiny cuts of about 5 mm are made under the armpit on one side.
6
Finding the nerve
The camera shows the sympathetic chain lying over the ribs.
7
Interrupting the nerve
The nerve is cut, cauterised or clipped at the chosen level (usually T3 or T4).
8
Second side
The lung is re-expanded and the same steps are done on the other side.
9
Recovery
Hands become warm and dry immediately; a chest X-ray checks the lungs.
10
Discharge
Most patients go home the next day after the 1-day stay.
⚖️ Types & Techniques
| Technique | What is done | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| ETS – sympathicotomy (cut / cautery) | Nerve chain divided at T3 or T4 | Palm and underarm sweating |
| ETS – clipping | Titanium clips placed on the nerve; may be removed if side effects are severe | Patients wanting a possibly reversible option |
| Single-port ETS | Both sides done through one tiny cut each | Cosmetic preference, selected patients |
| Clip removal / sympathetic nerve reconstruction | Clips removed early, or nerve gap bridged with a nerve graft (sometimes robotic) | Severe compensatory sweating after previous ETS |
| Non-surgical options | Antiperspirants, iontophoresis, Botox, oral medicines | Milder cases or before choosing surgery |
📊 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons expert consensus (2011) reports ETS success for palmar hyperhidrosis of over 95%, and recommends T3 or T4 level surgery to reduce the risk of severe compensatory sweating.
📅 Your Day-by-Day Plan in India
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in India, airport pick-up and hotel check-in |
| Day 2 | Thoracic surgeon consultation, tests and counselling |
| Day 3 | Admission and bilateral ETS surgery |
| Day 4 | Discharge after 1-day hospital stay |
| Day 5–6 | Rest in hotel and review visit |
| Day 7 | Fly home ✈️ |
🌱 Recovery After Treatment
🖐️
Immediately
Hands are dry and warm right after surgery.
🛏️
Days 1–3
Mild chest or shoulder pain; walking the same day; home the next day.
✈️
Days 4–7
Safe to fly after review and normal chest X-ray.
💼
Week 1
Return to office or study.
🏋️
2–4 weeks
Return to sports and heavy exercise.
🌡️
1–6 months
Compensatory sweating (on back, chest or legs) may appear and often settles partly over time.
🏆 Success Rate
| Outcome | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry palms | About 95–99% |
| Improvement in underarm sweating | About 60–80% |
| Patient satisfaction | About 85–95% in large series |
| Compensatory sweating (any) | About 50–80% of patients |
| Severe compensatory sweating | About 3–10% |
Results are best for palm sweating and in younger patients with a normal body weight. The nerve level chosen strongly affects the risk of compensatory sweating, so careful counselling before surgery is essential. Results of reversal or nerve reconstruction are less predictable.
🩹 Risks & Possible Complications
ETS is quick and effective, but it has a well-known side effect you must understand before choosing it.
- •Compensatory sweating on the back, chest, abdomen or legs – about 50–80%, severe in about 3–10%
- •Gustatory sweating (sweating when eating) – uncommon
- •Air around the lung (pneumothorax) needing a drain – about 1–2%
- •Very dry hands – some patients need hand cream
- •Slower heart rate – usually mild
- •Horner's syndrome (drooping eyelid) – rare, under 1%
- •Bleeding – rare
💰 Cost of Sympathectomy (ETS) in India
The cost of ETS surgery in India starts from about USD 3,000 for this package, with a 1-day stay in a private room for both sides. Clip-based surgery, robotic assistance and reversal or nerve reconstruction procedures cost more and are quoted after review.
| Option / Hospital tier | Approx. cost (USD) | Hospital stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilateral ETS (this package) – private room | From 3,000 | 1 day | Both sides in one session |
| ETS with clipping | 3,200 – 4,000 | 1 day | Clips allow possible early removal |
| Clip removal (early reversal) | 2,500 – 3,500 | 1 day | Best within weeks to months of clipping |
| Sympathetic nerve reconstruction (graft / robotic) | Quote after review | 2–3 days | Selected centres; limited, variable results |
⚠️ Final cost depends on technique (cut, cautery or clips), robotic assistance, reversal complexity and hospital tier. Quotes are confirmed after the specialist examines the patient in India.
📋 What the Package Includes
✅ Included
- ✔Thoracic surgeon and anaesthetist fees
- ✔Bilateral ETS surgery
- ✔Operation theatre and thoracoscopy equipment
- ✔1-day stay in a private room
- ✔Post-operative chest X-ray
- ✔Routine medicines during stay
- ✔Nursing care and diet
- ✔Review visit before departure
❌ Not Included
- ✖Clips or robotic charges
- ✖Reversal or nerve reconstruction
- ✖Extra hospital days
- ✖Chest drain or complication treatment
- ✖Hotel stay after discharge
- ✖Flights and visa fees
- ✖Medicines after discharge
- ✖Botox or non-surgical treatments
✈️ Your Medical Travel Process with Satyug Healthcare
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Send reports | A description of where you sweat and since what age, treatments already tried (creams, iontophoresis, Botox, tablets), thyroid and blood sugar reports, chest X-ray, and photos or videos showing the sweating. For reversal: previous operation notes and details of side effects. |
| 2. Free opinion & quotes | Within 48-72 hours you receive opinions and cost estimates from 3-5 leading hospitals to compare. |
| 3. Choose hospital & doctor | We help you compare doctors, success rates, room options and total budget. |
| 4. Medical visa | The hospital issues a Visa Invitation Letter (VIL) to the Indian Embassy. The patient and up to 2 attendants apply for an e-Medical / Medical Attendant visa. |
| 5. Travel planning | Flight guidance, wheelchair assistance, airport pick-up, hotel or guest house near the hospital. |
| 6. Treatment in India | Your coordinator and interpreter stay with you for admission, treatment, discharge and billing. |
| 7. Return & follow-up | Fit-to-fly letter, medicines, and online follow-up with your doctor after you return home. |
🎒 Travel Checklist
- 📌Valid passport (6+ months) for the patient and attendants, plus 10 passport-size photos each
- 📌Medical visa / e-visa and the hospital’s Visa Invitation Letter
- 📌All thyroid, blood sugar and chest X-ray reports, previous operation notes and prescriptions
- 📌Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for travellers from African countries)
- 📌Polio vaccination certificate where applicable
- 📌Declare cash above USD 5,000 at the airport; hospitals accept wire transfer and cards
- 📌Foreigners staying longer than permitted must register with the FRRO — our team assists
⭐ Why Choose Satyug Healthcare?
🏥
Top Accredited Hospitals
Leading thoracic surgery centres such as Medanta – The Medicity, Max Super Speciality Hospital Saket, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Indraprastha Apollo Delhi and Artemis Hospital.
👨⚕️
Senior Specialists
Surgery is performed by experienced thoracic and minimally invasive chest surgeons who perform VATS (keyhole chest) procedures regularly.
💵
Transparent Pricing
Multiple written quotes to compare — no hidden charges, no extra fee for our service.
🤝
End-to-End Support
Visa, airport pick-up, accommodation, interpreter and 24/7 coordinator.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
➤ How much does ETS surgery cost in India?
Bilateral ETS starts from about USD 3,000 with this package, including a 1-day stay in a private room. Clipping costs a little more, and reversal or nerve reconstruction is quoted after a specialist review.
➤ How long will I stay in hospital and in India?
The hospital stay is 1 day. Most patients stay in India about 5–7 days in total.
➤ How successful is ETS for sweaty hands?
About 95–99% of patients have dry palms right after surgery. Results for underarm sweating are good but less certain, and foot sweating usually does not improve.
➤ What is compensatory sweating?
After ETS, many patients (about 50–80%) sweat more on the back, chest, abdomen or legs. For most it is mild, but about 3–10% find it severe. This is the main reason ETS is advised only after other treatments fail.
➤ Can ETS be reversed?
If clips are used, removing them early may reverse some effects, but recovery is not guaranteed. Nerve reconstruction with grafts is done only at selected centres and results are limited and variable. Think carefully before choosing ETS.
➤ Is the surgery painful?
You are asleep during surgery. Afterwards there is mild chest or shoulder discomfort for a few days, controlled with tablets.
➤ When can I go back to work or study?
Most people return to office work or study within about 1 week.
➤ Are there scars?
Only 1–2 tiny cuts of about 5 mm under each armpit, which are well hidden.
➤ What are the other risks?
Uncommon risks include air around the lung needing a small drain (about 1–2%), a slower heart rate and, rarely, a drooping eyelid (Horner's syndrome).
➤ Can teenagers have ETS?
Surgery is usually considered for older teenagers and adults with severe palm sweating after other treatments fail, and after careful counselling of patient and family.
➤ Can attendants come with me?
Yes. One attendant (or more) can accompany you, and we provide visa invitation letters.
💬 Get a Free Opinion & Cost Estimate
Send your medical reports today and receive opinions from India’s top specialists within 48-72 hours.
📞 +91-8860606766 | +91-9910655125 | ✉️ query@satyughealthcare.com
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation with a qualified specialist. Treatment plans and costs are confirmed only after the patient is examined. Sources: Society of Thoracic Surgeons expert consensus for the surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis (Cerfolio et al., Ann Thorac Surg 2011); NCBI StatPearls: Hyperhidrosis and Thoracic Sympathectomy; International Hyperhidrosis Society; NHS; Mayo Clinic; Cleveland Clinic. Infographics: Satyug Healthcare.
Ready to plan your treatment in India?
Free medical opinion in 48 hours — our coordinators are available 24/7
📞 +91-8860606766
💬 WhatsApp
✉ Email Us
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) in India from USD 3,000 – keyhole cure for sweaty palms and underarms, 1-day stay, expert thoracic surgeons.
TOP HOSPITALS
Special High-quality Hospitals
.png)
HAPPY PATIENTS
What Our Patients Are Saying
Our Gallery
Get a Free Quote
Tell us what you need and share your medical reports. Our medical team prepares your treatment plan and cost estimate.
- Free medical opinion on your reports
- Your quote within 24–48 hours
- Help with visa invitation letter, travel and airport pickup
- Coordinators available on WhatsApp
Prefer to talk? Call +91-8860606766 or WhatsApp us.
Thank you! Your request is received.
Reference . Our medical team will send your free quote within 24–48 hours by e-mail or WhatsApp.
Chat on WhatsApp now