Please note: In my book, Rosacea 101, (published in October 2007) in Appendix E, ETS, page 171, you can read an updated version of what I wrote below which is the basis for my new book covering this basic rosacea knowledge on ETS. My book is more comprehensive on this and other subjects relating to basic rosacea 101 knowledge for rosacea newbies. I suggest you buy the book.
ETS is a major surgery that involves surgical removal or clamping of sympathetic nerves that supply the hands, neck and face. This surgery may decrease facial blushing and flushing. A similar surgery is endoscopic upper thoracic sympathectomy (EUTS).
And this article about Corposcindosis before you rush off to get ETS. You should clearly understand not only the benefits of using ETS but also the risks and side effects. One of the posssible risks and side effects are anhidrosis. ETS may stop the blushing/flushing but also upper body sweating. ETS may create a situation where the top part of the body has lost vascular control and cannot sweat, while the bottom part retains vascular control and sweats more. One report on EUTS said "the sympathetic dysfunction of the heart was limited to the decrement of mean heart rate although EUTS partially destroys sympathetic fibers innervating the heart." Source
ETS patients may report feeling too hot and too cold at the same time.
A newspaper article in the UK reported a very postive report using "an ultrasonic dissector which cuts through tissue by vibrating up to 50,000 times a second." However, another report from a newspaper shows what risk may be involved with ETS, death.
Dr. Nase discusses ETS on pages 206 to 208 of his book (his book is listed on my books page) and has had this surgery on himself and is probably the most famous rosacean who discusses this surgery. Dr. Nase is associated with an ETS clinic in San Antonio.
There have been some reports indicating benefit for rosacea, as Dr. Nase reports and then there are reports of no benefit. One report indicated a "cure" (click here). Another report is positive (click here). Both David Pascoe and Dr. Nase replied to this "cure" and you can read Dr. Nase's reply by clicking here. The thread continues on this and you should read as much as you can about ETS before accepting this treatment for rosacea. Dr. Nase says, "I never recommed ETS to 99.9% of anyone who asks." source. I have listed what anecdotal reports I have heard about at the bottom of this article.
Reading Dr. Nase's book on the pages mentioned above and asking your physician to explain clearly the benefits and risks as well as the side effects of ETS are the best precautions you can take before considering whether you are a candidate for ETS. A great page on ETS can be read by clicking here.
