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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
Amnion membrane improves results in treating neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome
Richard J Sanders1, Stephen J Annest2
1Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Health Science Center, Aurora, Colorado.
Abstract:
A patient with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome was initially treated with scalenectomy, first rib resection, and wrapping of the brachial plexus (BP) with amnion membrane (AM) to prevent postoperative adhesions. Twelve months later, at reoperation for recurrent symptoms, the AM was observed to be intact. The BP had no scar tissue around it. Recurrence was due to scarring around the nerve roots superior to the portion of the plexus that had been wrapped with AM. It was concluded that the AM had successfully protected the portion of the BP that had been wrapped. Longer term studies are in progress.
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