CTSN - Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome References
Selected Articles
Urschel HC Jr and Razzuk MA. The failed operation for thoracic outlet syndrome: The difficulty of diagnosis and management. Annals of Thoracic Surgery 1997 63(4):935-9.

This series of over 2200 patients treated with the transaxillary approach has impressive results - over 90% of patients had excellent or good relief of symptoms. Importantly, there was no significant difference in the results and relief of symptoms from upper or lower plexus compression.

MacKinnon SE, Patterson GA, Novak CB. Thoracic outlet syndrome: A current overview. Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 1996 8(2):176-82.

This is the lead article in the second section of this issue dedicated to thoracic outlet syndrome and focuses on the careful clinical evaluation as the key to properly treating this difficult patient population.

Urschel HC Jr. Dorsal sympathectomy and management of thoracic outlet syndrome with VATS. Annals of Thoracic Surgery 1993 56(3):717-20.

The author discusses two techniques for using VATS: standard three-port and transaxillary first rib removal. Excellent relief has been obtained with the sympathectomy.

Urschel HC Jr and Razzuk MA. The failed operation for thoracic outlet syndrome: The difficulty of diagnosis and management. Annals of Thoracic Surgery 1986 42(5):523-8.

This article illustrates some of the challenges associated with reoperation for recurrent thoracic outlet syndrome and outcomes.

Sources for further reading
Textbook Chapters
Chapter 18: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Surgery of the Chest (Sabiston and Spencer), 5th ed., 536-53.

Chapters 32: Thoracic Outlet Syndromes. Glenn's Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (Baue, Geha, Hammond, Laks, and Naunheim), 6th ed., 567-80.

Recent on-line full-text journal articles