Outcome of transaxillary rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome - a 10year experience

Background: This study assessed the outcome of transaxillary first and/or c ervical rib resection in a unit, which has a policy of combined assessment by a neurologist and vascular surgeon. Methods: 61 patients underwent 83 transaxillary rib resections for thoracic outlet syndrome. A retrospective casenote review of these patients was und ertaken. All patients completed a telephone questionnaire regarding long-te rm outcome. Results: Post-operative outpatient assessment at a median of 6 months recor ded 91.5% improved. of whom 61.5% were symptom-free. 61% were available for the telephone questionnaire at a median follow-up of 4 yr. 74% reported an improvement, with complete resolution in 58%. Six described temporary impr ovement following surgery. Conclusion: Transaxillary rib resection is a safe and effective procedure, allowing almost two thirds of patients a return to normal activity. Combine d assessment by vascular and neurological teams may help in patient selecti on for surgery, as well as the accurate long-term assessment of outcome. (C ) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of The International Soc iety for Cardiovascular Surgery.