[Thoracic outlet syndrome: results of surgical treatment]

21 patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (t.o.s.) were operated on in the Department of Neurosurgery of MMA in Lódź between 1982-1991. Early and long-term results of treatment were analyzed in the group of 13 cases. In early postoperative period 5 patients were free of pain and neurologic or vascular disturbances in the upper limb. In other 6 cases pain disappeared partially and mild neurological or vascular syndromes persisted. Altogether satisfactory results of treatment were obtained in 8 patients (85%). There was some improvement in 2 patients but pain and neurological or vascular disorders were still significant after surgery. Long-term results were assessed at least 1 year after operative treatment. Recurrent pain with or without mild neurological (vascular) syndromes appeared in 6 patients (46%). Recurrent t.o.s. occurred mainly in cases of young women with low position of shoulder girdle and poorly developed musculature of this region. Only 2 patients still remained free of preoperative syndromes. Altogether only 8 patients (61%) had acceptable results of surgical treatment at long-term follow-up. The remaining 5 patients (39%) had unsatisfactory long-term results.