International Society of Sympathetic Surgery ISSS
Advancing the science and technique of sympathetic surgery
Since 1993, surgeons and scientists from every continent have gathered to exchange knowledge, set shared standards, and improve outcomes for patients with disorders of the sympathetic nervous system.
A global community for autonomic surgery
The ISSS brings together thoracic, vascular and neurosurgeons, pain specialists and autonomic physiologists dedicated to understanding and surgically treating disorders of the sympathetic nervous system.
The Society grew out of the international symposia organised since 1993, and was formally established in 2001 to meet the needs of a growing number of surgeons and scientists in the field.
- 01
Scientific exchange
Sharing research, outcomes and new techniques across institutions and borders.
- 02
Education
Continuous, high-quality education for surgeons, and training the next generation in safe, effective procedures.
- 03
Common standards
A shared patient questionnaire and operative nomenclature, adopted in 2005, so results can be compared worldwide.
- 04
Patient care
Improving diagnosis, treatment and long-term follow-up with ethical, evidence-based practice.
Where our members work
Hyperhidrosis & facial flushing
Surgical management of primary hyperhidrosis and facial blushing.
Vascular sympathetic disorders
Raynaud’s phenomenon and related vasospastic conditions.
Pain & autonomic imbalance
Pain modulation and the physiology of autonomic dysfunction.
Minimally invasive & robotic
Thoracoscopic, uniportal and robotic sympathetic procedures.
Outcomes & quality of life
Long-term results, compensatory sweating and patient-reported outcomes.
Recommendations
The ISSS palmar hyperhidrosis questionnaire for standardised evaluation.
Three decades of meetings
Our biennial symposia move between continents, bringing the field’s experts together to present research, innovations and case experience.
- 17th · Next2027Seoul, Korea
- 16th2025Recife, Brazil
- 15th2024Hyde Park, New York, USA
- 14th2022Beijing, China
- 13th2019Pisa, Italy
- 12th2017Fukuoka, Japan
- 11th2015Santiago, Chile
- 10th2013Melbourne, Australia
Join the ISSS
Membership is open to practising medical doctors and bioscientists with a special interest in sympathetic surgery. Members gain access to a global network of peers, the international symposia and the Society’s shared standards and resources.
Contact the Secretary
Prof. Sungsoo Lee
211, Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu
Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea
+30 years of Experience
English-speaking
English-speaking staff and tailored service
International Friendly
Next Conference !!
17th International Symposium on
Sympathetic Surgery (ISSS) 2027
Where
- Seoul Dragon City, Seoul, Republic of KOREA
When
- 24 - 25 Sep. 2027
Who We Are
The
International Society of Sympathetic Surgery (ISSS) is a global community of surgeons, researchers, and clinicians dedicated to advancing the understanding and surgical treatment of sympathetic nerve disorders.
Our members include experts in thoracic, vascular, and neurosurgery, as well as specialists in pain management and autonomic physiology.
We connect professionals who share a passion for improving patients’ quality of life through precise, ethical, and evidence-based sympathetic surgery.
Our Mission
To promote excellence in sympathetic surgery worldwide through:
- Scientific exchange — sharing research, outcomes, and new techniques
- Education — training the next generation of surgeons in safe and effective procedures
- Collaboration — building networks that cross borders and specialties
- Patient care — improving diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of sympathetic disorders
What We Do
- Host International Congresses — biennial meetings that gather leading experts to present research, innovations, and case experiences.
- Support Research & Publication — facilitate multicenter studies and promote publication of peer-reviewed articles.
- Provide Educational Resources — workshops, symposia, and online sessions for continuous professional development.
- Foster Global Collaboration — connect institutions and surgeons from every continent to share expertise and mentorship.
Our Focus Areas
- Hyperhidrosis and facial flushing surgery
- Raynaud’s phenomenon and vascular sympathetic disorders
- Pain modulation and autonomic imbalance
- Minimally invasive and robotic sympathetic procedures
- Long-term outcomes and quality-of-life studies
Perfect For
- Surgeons specializing in thoracic, vascular, neurosurgical, or autonomic procedures
- Researchers studying the sympathetic nervous system
- Medical trainees seeking global exposure to autonomic surgery
- Healthcare professionals interested in interdisciplinary collaboration
How We Connect
- International Congress: Biennial scientific meeting (next: Seoul, 2027)
- Regional Workshops: Hands-on courses and live surgery demonstrations
- Online Education: Webinars and video archives for members
- Publications & Newsletters: Sharing the latest updates in sympathetic surgery research
Join Us
Membership is open to medical professionals and researchers who share our commitment to advancing sympathetic surgery.
Through ISSS, you’ll gain access to a global network, educational resources, and the opportunity to contribute to the field’s development.
Our Ethos
- Scientific integrity: Evidence-based practice above all.
- Collaboration over competition: Progress through sharing, not secrecy.
- Global inclusivity: All regions, disciplines, and backgrounds are welcome.
- Patient-first perspective: Every innovation must serve real clinical benefit.
