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Thoracic outlet syndrome: a comprehensive evaluation
1Department of Surgery, Quillen-Dishner College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City 37614.
The American Surgeon
|March 1, 1988
Summary
This study evaluated 480 patients for thoracic outlet compression syndrome (TOCS). Surgical decompression for TOCS yielded good or fair long-term results in over 87% of properly selected patients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Neurology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Thoracic outlet compression syndrome (TOCS) affects numerous patients.
- Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of various modalities for TOCS.
- To assess the efficacy of surgical decompression for TOCS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 480 patients evaluated for TOCS.
- Diagnosis confirmed in 300 patients.
- Nerve conduction velocities and directional Doppler studies utilized.
- Surgical decompression performed in 90 patients (103 procedures).
Main Results:
- Nerve conduction velocities and directional Doppler studies were key diagnostic adjuncts.
- Surgical therapy in properly selected patients resulted in 80.6% "good" and 6.9% "fair" long-term operative results.
- Follow-up extended to 12 years.
Conclusions:
- Proper patient selection is vital for successful surgical decompression of TOCS.
- Surgical intervention offers significant long-term benefits for carefully chosen patients with TOCS.