Reoperation for recurrent thoracic outlet syndrome

Recurrent thoracic outlet syndrome that requires reoperation accounts for 1% of first rib resections. Symptoms in a series of 30 patients were mainly neurological and consisted of pain and paresthesia involving the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand and were severe and unrelenting. Recurrence of symptoms ensued from one month to seven years following initial rib resection, with the majority appearing within the first three months. Nerve conduction velocities were diminished to an average of 51 m per second, well below the normal of 72 m per second. Reoperation was required after a period of extensive physiotherapy and muscle relaxants. The high posterior thoracoplasty approach is recommended for all reoperations, as it gives better exposure to achieve safe neurolysis of the plexus and complete excision of the regenerated periosteum and posterior rib remnant, which were present in almost all patients. Results of reoperation were gratifying, and postoperative nerve conduction velocities were improved to an everage of 66 m per second.