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Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
06:57

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Published on: September 13, 2020

Thoracic outlet syndrome in children and young adults

S Maru1, H Dosluoglu, M Dryjski

  • 1State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Surgery, Buffalo, NY, USA.

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery : the Official Journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery
|August 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study reviews thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) in young patients, finding vascular TOS is common. Surgical intervention offers lasting symptom relief for all TOS subtypes in this age group.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is typically seen in adults aged 25-40.
  • TOS presentation and outcomes in pediatric patients (first two decades of life) are less frequently reported.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the presentation and surgical outcomes of TOS in patients within their first two decades of life.
  • To identify the common subtypes and effectiveness of surgical intervention for TOS in pediatric and adolescent populations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of patient charts for individuals operated on for TOS between 1994 and 2006.
  • Follow-up via clinic visits and phone surveys to assess symptom relief and activity levels.

Main Results:

  • Twelve patients (13 operations) with a mean age of 16.8 years were identified.
  • Presentations included acute ischemic symptoms (38%), venous TOS (24%), and neurogenic TOS (38%).
  • All patients experienced symptom relief post-surgery, with a mean resolution time of 10.9 weeks and sustained improvement at follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Vascular TOS is a prevalent subtype in the first two decades of life.
  • Surgical intervention for TOS in young patients provides durable symptom relief across all subtypes.
  • Surgery should be considered for all pediatric and adolescent patients diagnosed with TOS.
Abstract

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