Results of surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome

Introduction: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is characterized by neurogenic symptoms involving the upper limbs, which in some cases could be potentially disabling. It occurs in relatively young individuals, mostly women. The surgical approach for these patients may be challenging due to anatomical variations. Objetive: To assess the differences in outcome after anterior scalenectomy (AE) or transaxillary first rib resection (TFRR) in patients with TOS. Material and methods: Patients with TOS, who underwent AE or TFRR between 1990 and 2007, were reviewed. The diagnosis of TOS was established in patients with positive provocative clinical tests and other imaging studies. Patients with disabling neurogenic symptoms, arteria land/or subclavian deep vein thrombosis despite fibrinolysis were included. Results: Twenty two procedures were performed in nineteen patients: 12 AE and 10 TFRR. The mean age was 34 years. The severity of the symptoms was comparable in both groups. Patients reported as clinically excellent (70 vs 72.7%), good (20 vs 18.2%), and poor (10vs 9.1%) outcomes, respectively. Post-operative pneumothorax, as well as ulnar nerve palsy was found in two cases; axillary hematoma and arm hypoesthesia was observed in one case. Late complications, winged scapula and hand oedema, were observed in two patients. Conclusion: Surgical procedures must be indicated in patients with TOS and disabling neurovascular symptoms despite physical therapy. We advise performing TFRR as a first-line treatment in these patients, except for those with subclavian artery/vein lesions due to scalene muscle compression. (C) 2013 SEACV. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.