Supraclavicular Approach for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Description of a Learning Curve

The supraclavicular exposure represents an alternative approach for thoracic outlet decompression in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome with unique access to neurovascular structures. We aimed to evaluate the learning curve for this approach and associated patient outcomes.

Patients undergoing first-time, unilateral, supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome were included. Cumulative-sum and linear-spline-regression analyses were used to determine the operative time learning curve. Patients were consecutively organized into early (learning phase) and late (competency) cohorts. Primary endpoints were the operative time learning curve operation number and association of this learning curve on differences in self-reported postoperative symptomatic improvement between early and late cohorts, adjusting for American Society of Anesthesiology classification, body mass index, previous treatment (opioid/neuropathic medication/botulinum-injection), and length of stay.

Among 114 patients, learning curve analyses showed decreasing operative times, plateauing at the 51st operation (ß = -1.63, 95% confidence interval [-2.30, -0.95], P < .001). No periprocedural differences existed between early (operations 1-50) and late (operations 51-114) cohorts. Self-reported 90-day outcomes were similar in early and late cohorts (odds ratio [OR]: 1.60 [0.65, 3.95], P = .31). Mediators of poor self-reported outcomes included increasing American Society of Anesthesiology classification (OR 0.21 [0.08, 0.54], P = .001), failed preoperative botulinum injection (OR 0.15 [0.03, 0.65], P = .01), and increased length of stay (OR 0.40 [0.22, 0.73], P = .003).

The learning curve for supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome occurred after 51 operations with a trend towards improved 90-day self-reported outcomes from the early to late phases. These findings, along with mediators of poorer outcomes, may aid surgeons in adopting a new approach and counseling patients on expected outcomes.