Thoracic outlet syndrome: influence of personal history and surgical technique on long-term results.

OBJECTIVE: Long-term results after surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) are reviewed in terms of personal histories and surgical techniques. METHODS: Forty-eight operations were performed in 37 patients. In 21 instances, the picture was one of ordinary TOS, in eight TOS was traumatic and in nine the picture was sub-acute. Cervical ribs were excised through a supraclavicular approach (in seven cases), and first ribs through transthoracic, transaxillary or supraclavicular approaches (in 25, 15 or one, respectively). Long-term follow-up was obtained in 41 cases and averaged 11.7 years. RESULTS: Surgical decompression was successful in 28 cases (68%), including all patients with traumatic TOS (8/8) and seven with sub-acute symptoms (7/9). Outcome was good in five of seven supraclavicular cervical rib resections, and in 23 of 34 first rib excisions. First rib resections performed transaxillary had shorter post-operative stays, fewer complications. CONCLUSION: Surgical decompression is more successful when TOS is traumatic or sub-acute. When involved, a cervical rib can be resected through a supraclavicular approach, since the procedure is easy and has little morbidity. The transaxillary approach should be preferred for first rib resections because of shorter post-operative stays and fewer complications than after the transthoracic approach.     

Surgical management of thoracic outlet syndrome: a 10-year experience

BACKGROUND: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) refers to compression of the neurovascular structures in the region between the scalene muscles and the first rib, or by anatomical abnormalities such as cervical rib, fibrous bands and other variations in the scalene musculature. METHODS: Our experience with 63 consecutive operations for TOS, over a period of 10 years, has been reviewed. Preoperative symptoms and signs, investigations, surgery done, complications and the outcome of surgery are analysed. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients underwent 63 operations for decompression of TOS. All the 63 first ribs, were excised by the transaxillary approach. In seven patients (16%), a combined transaxillary and supraclavicular approach was used. There was no operative mortality in this series. The operative complications included pneumothorax in four patients (6.3%), which was treated by insertion of chest drain, and lower brachial plexus neuropraxia in two patients (3%), which improved with conservative management. The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 3.6 days. At 12 months following surgery, 56 patients (93%) had complete or partial relief of symptoms and only four patients (6.6%) had no relief of symptoms. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study confirm that transaxillary excision of the first rib is a surgical procedure associated with very low morbidity and excellent relief of symptoms. It can therefore be offered as an early option for patients with thoracic outlet syndrome. It may be combined with the supraclavicular approach if exposure of the subclavian artery is required for vascular reconstruction.     

Long-term results of surgical decompression of thoracic outlet compression syndrome

BACKGROUND: Thoracic outlet compression syndrome is characterised by a variety of symptoms relating to compression of the neurovascular bundle. Though no one test is specific for the syndrome, relief of symptoms may be obtained following surgery in up to 99% of cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The notes of 118 patients operated on in 126 operations by a single surgeon using a supraclavicular approach were reviewed. Symptoms, pre-operative investigations, and complications were all documented. Outcome at 6 weeks, 6, 12 and 24 months follow-up was also recorded. In addition, 61 patients were contacted by telephone, in order to assess current level of symptoms. RESULTS: Symptoms were predominantly motor, sensory or vasomotor, and were present for a mean of 19.6 months prior to surgery. Complications were rare, but included a pneumothorax requiring a chest drain (n = 1) and infraclavicular anaesthesia (n = 13). The mean duration of hospital stay was 2.1 days. At 6 weeks follow up, 86.5% of patients reported either an improvement, or complete resolution of their symptoms. Sixty-one patients were contactable, a mean of 55 months following decompression. Of these, 44 (72.1%) were either improved or asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Decompression for thoracic outlet compression syndrome through a supraclavicular approach encompassing first rib resection leads to good long-term results with few complications.     

Compression and stretching of the brachial plexus in thoracic outlet syndrome: correlation between neuroradiographic findings and symptoms and signs produced by provocation manoeuvres

In order to investigate the mechanism of nerve irritation in thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), we studied 150 patients who presented with symptoms of neurologic TOS between 1985 and 1999. They first performed various provocative physical manoeuvres and then underwent injection of contrast medium into the supraclavicular part of the brachial plexus. Several of the provocative manoeuvres were then repeated and radiographs were again obtained. Based on the neuroradiographs, we identified three subsets of patients; those with only compression (type 1 TOS, n=27, 18%), those with combined compression and stretching (type 2 TOS, n=111, 74%), and those with only stretching (type 3 TOS, n=12, 8%). We were able to correlate the neuroradiological subsets with symptoms elicited by pre-radiographic provocative manoeuvres; in 92 patients (61%) these were elicited by traction manoeuvres. We conclude that stretching is an important factor of nerve irritation in TOS.     

Surgical decompression for thoracic outlet syndrome

Fifty consecutive surgical decompression operations for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) were performed in 43 patients over a 7-year period. Of these, 54% presented with neurological symptoms alone; the others complained of symptoms of vascular or combined origin. Operations for decompression consisted of excisions of 14 cervical ribs, 22 first ribs, and 14 soft tissue or fibrous bands. In six limbs, cervical sympathectomy was also performed for patients who had secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Surgery resulted in complete relief of symptoms in 37 limbs (74%) and an improvement was achieved in another 10 (20%). In three limbs (6%) surgery gave no benefit. There was no mortality. Thoracic outlet decompression via the supraclavicular approach gave good results in 94% of the patients.     

Combination treatment of venous thoracic outlet syndrome: open surgical decompression and intraoperative angioplasty

OBJECTIVE: Residual subclavian vein stenosis after thoracic outlet decompression in patients with venous thoracic outlet syndrome is often treated with postoperative percutaneous angioplasty (PTA). However, interval recurrent thrombosis before postoperative angioplasty is performed can be a vexing problem. Therefore we initiated a prospective trial at 2 referral institutions to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined thoracic outlet decompression with intraoperative PTA performed in 1 stage. METHODS: Over 3 years 25 consecutive patients (16 women, 9 men; median age, 30 years) underwent treatment for venous thoracic outlet syndrome with a standard protocol at 2 institutions. Twenty-one patients (84%) underwent preoperative thrombolysis to treat axillosubclavian vein thrombosis. First-rib resection was performed through combined supraclavicular and infraclavicular incisions. Intraoperative venography and subclavian vein PTA were performed through a percutaneous basilic vein approach. Postoperative anticoagulation therapy was not used routinely. Venous duplex ultrasound scanning was performed postoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Intraoperative venography enabled identification of residual subclavian vein stenosis in 16 patients (64%), and all underwent intraoperative PTA with 100% technical success. Postoperative duplex scans documented subclavian vein patency in 23 patients (92%). Complications included subclavian vein recurrent thrombosis in 2 patients (8%), and both underwent percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy, with restoration of patency in 1 patient. One-year primary and secondary patency rates were 92% and 96%, respectively, at life-table analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Residual subclavian vein stenosis after operative thoracic outlet decompression is common in patients with venous thoracic outlet syndrome. Combination treatment with surgical thoracic outlet decompression and intraoperative PTA is a safe and effective means for identifying and treating residual subclavian vein stenosis. Moreover, intraoperative PTA may reduce the incidence of postoperative recurrent thrombosis and eliminate the need for venous stent placement or open venous repair.     

Neurovascular compression in the thoracic outlet: changing management over 50 years.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: During the past five decades, significant improvements have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) secondary to sports activities, breast implants, or median sternotomy. METHODS, RESULTS, AND CONCLUSIONS: Of more than 15,000 patients evaluated for TOS, 3914 underwent primary neurovascular decompression procedures and 1221 underwent second surgical procedures for recurrent symptoms. Of 2210 consecutive patients, 250 had symptoms of upper plexus compression only (median nerve), 1508 had symptoms of lower plexus compression only (ulnar nerve), and 452 patients had symptoms of both. Ulnar and median nerve conduction velocities confirmed the clinical diagnosis. Transaxillary first rib removal alone for neurovascular decompression relieved both upper and lower plexus symptoms (without a combined transaxillary and supraclavicular approach). There are two reasons for this: most upper compression mechanisms attach to the first rib, and the median nerve is also supplied by C8 and T1 as well as C5, C6, and C7 nerve roots. Axillary subclavian artery aneurysm or occlusion was treated successfully in 240 patients. Dorsal sympathectomy was performed concomitantly in 71 patients for occlusion or embolectomy. It was combined with first rib resection in 1974 patients for sympathetic maintained pain syndrome and causalgia that did not improve with conservative therapy. Of 264 patients with effort thrombosis (Paget-Schroetter syndrome), 211 were treated by urokinase thrombolysis and prompt first rib resection with excellent long-term results. Recurrent TOS symptoms required a second procedure using the posterior approach in 1221 patients with brachial plexus neurolysis and dorsal sympathectomy. The use of hyaluronic acid significantly reduced recurrent scarring.     

First rib resection in thoracic outlet syndrome

Most patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) present with exercise-induced upper extremity paresthesia. Neurogenic TOS is the most common type where the brachial nerve plexus is compressed against a tight thoracic outlet. Vascular compromise although rare can result from thoracic outlet pressure against the subclavian artery or more commonly the subclavian vein. This article reviews the pathophysiology of TOS and describes several effective surgical interventions. Complete first rib resection with surgical decompression is an essential part of the treatment for TOS. First rib resection via supraclavicular or a preferred transaxillary route should be considered when conservative modalities provide no symptom improvement.     

Surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome: effect and results of surgery

BACKGROUND: Because of the difficulty in diagnosis and different treatment options, debate on thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) has continued. Our aim is to report our surgical experience. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with thoracic outlet syndrome were operated on between 1985 and 2000. Mean age was 37.9 years (range, 17 to 58 years); female/male ratio was 41/6. The most frequent symptom was paresthesia (72.3%). Seventeen patients (36%) had bilateral symptoms. Of all, 89.3% (42 cases) were neurologic thoracic outlet syndrome, and 10.7% (five cases) were vascular. Lower plexus (C8-T1/ulnar nerve) compression was present in 36 patients and upper plexus (C5-C7/median nerve) compression in 6 patients. Doppler ultrasonography in 11 patients, angiography in 8, and lymph node scintigraphy in 1 patient were also performed. Main operative indications were persistence of symptoms after conservative therapy and reduced (< 60 m/s) ulnar nerve conduction velocity. RESULTS: Fifty-five operations were performed on the 47 patients. First (59.6%) and cervical costae (21.3%) resections were the most frequent operations. Mean ulnar nerve conduction velocity was 54.8 m/s (range, 43 to 68 m/s) preoperatively and 69.4 m/s (range, 47 to 70 m/s) postoperatively (p < 0.05). The morbidity rate was 17% (8 of 47). No difference was observed between transaxillary and supraclavicular incisions. No brachial plexus injuries occurred. The most frequent cause of morbidity was incisional pain. Two reoperations were performed for recurrences. Follow-up was 4.6 years, and 75% of lower plexus and 50% of upper plexus compressions remained asymptomatic. Severe and long-term pain occurred in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical decompression for thoracic outlet syndrome is efficient and dependable, but results deteriorate over time.     

Outcome following surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) relies heavily on subjective rather than objective assessment criteria. Subsequently, published results after surgical decompression vary considerably. This study aimed to use a symptom-based patient-directed questionnaire to assess the outcome after decompression for TOS. METHODS: sixty patients who underwent decompression procedures were identified from a prospectively maintained vascular database. Patient records were analysed for details regarding initial presentation, investigation, type of procedure used for decompression and management. Outcome questionnaires were sent to all identified patients to give a patient-based outcome measure. RESULTS: eighty-four per cent of patients responded. In 90% of these patients there was an improvement in symptoms post-surgery with a median follow up of 43 months. The results were not influenced by the procedure or approach used. CONCLUSION: surgery remains an effective tool in the management of TOS. A simple patient-directed questionnaire as used in this study could assist in the standardisation of outcome assessment.     

Thoracic outlet syndrome: Fact or fancy? A review of 409 consecutive patients who underwent operation

Objectives

From an analysis of patients operated on by a single surgeon between 1973 and 1994 for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), to determine what findings are helpful in substantiating this diagnosis and what are the results of decompressive thoracic outlet surgery in the management of TOS.

Design

A chart review with emphasis on signs, symptoms and results. A preoperative questionnaire was presented to all patients operated on since 1989. Postoperative follow-up was by interview or telephone.

Setting

A 560-bed university-affiliated tertiary-care teaching hospital.

Patients

There were 409 adults; 83% were women and the average age was 36 years. In 95% of patients physiotherapy had been unsuccessful. Patients presented with neurologic type (368 [(90%]), arterial impingement (29 [7%]) and venous obstructive symptoms (12 [3%]). The series included 44 patients with bilateral symptoms and 26 patients with cervical ribs. Some form of litigation or compensation was associated with 177 patients.

Interventions

Transaxillary first rib resection in 380 (93%) patients and supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression in 29 (7%). In 244 patients there was a follow-up of at least 2 years. These patients constituted the follow-up group.

Results

Preoperatively, in the 368 patients who had neurologic TOS, 99% displayed supraclavicular brachial plexus tenderness and 98% exacerbation of symptoms with arms in the abduction external rotated position. There were eight complications of surgical intervention (1.9%). In the follow-up group, there were no deaths, no subclavian/axillary artery or vein damage and no brachial plexus injury. Seventy-eight percent of the patients with neurologic TOS in this group improved postoperatively; 21% had complete relief, 32% had good relief and 25% had fair relief. Twenty-two percent showed no improvement.

Conclusions

Signs and symptoms helpful in making the diagnosis of neurologic TOS are supraclavicular tenderness on palpation and exacerbation of symptoms with the arms in the abducted external rotated position. The surgical procedures are safe. Patients with TOS refractory to medical management can benefit from thoracic outlet decompression.     

Experience of Supraclavicular Exploration and Decompression for Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The purpose of this study was to assess the symptomatic outcome of patients with thoracic outlet syndrome who underwent decompression of the thoracic outlet. In our unit we prefer the supraclavicular approach, performing anterior scalenectomy with excision of fibrous bands or cervical ribs if present. Operative details were gained by theater logbook and case note review. Over a 6-year period, 31 patients (37 limbs) underwent thoracic outlet decompression. Of the 37 affected limbs, the indications for surgery were a combination of both neurological and vascular symptoms in 24 patients (65%), neurological symptoms in 24 (65%), and 4 patients (11%) had vascular symptoms alone. All patients were assessed for postoperative outcome either at out-patient clinics or by personal contact. From the results of this study we concluded that supraclavicular scalenectomy and cervical rib excision with selective first rib excision is a safe and effective procedure for most patients with thoracic outlet syndrome.     

Vascular thoracic outlet syndrome

Abstract The surgical treatment of 30 cases of vascular thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) in 25 patients is presented. Patients included 17 women and 8 men with average age of 26.1 years. The causes of compression were cervical rib (n = 16), soft tissue anomalies (n = 12), and scar tissue after clavicle fracture (n = 2). Ten subclavian artery aneurysms containing intraluminal thrombus as well as one subclavian artery occlusion were found. All such cases had multiple distal arterial embolization. Presenting features of cases with arterial TOS included: hand ischemia (n = 11), transient ischemic attack (TIA) (n = 1), and claudication or vasomotor phenomena during the arm hyperabduction (n = 11). Two patients with venous TOS developed hand edema during arm hyperabduction, and five other patients had axillary-subclavian venous thrombosis. In all cases decompressive procedures using a combined supraclavicular and infraclavicular approach were performed. Decompression was achieved by cervical rib excision (n = 12), combined cervical and first rib excision (n = 4), and first rib excision (n = 14). In all cases division of all soft tissue elements was also accomplished. Associated vascular procedures included resection and replacement of 10 subclavian artery aneurysms, one subclavian-axillary and one axillary-brachial bypass, as well as nine brachial embolectomies. All five cases with axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis before decompression were treated with anticoagulant therapy. The mean follow-up period was 3 years and 2 months (range 1 to 6 years). Two pleural entry injuries and two transient brachial plexus injuries were noted. All reconstructed arteries were patent during the follow-up period. Complete resolution of symptoms with a return to full activity was noticed in all cases with arterial TOS and in two cases with venous TOS without axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis. In cases with axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis relief of symptoms was mild, and there were limitations on daily activity. Vascular TOS is seen less frequently than the neurogenic form; however, in most cases it requires surgical treatment. We prefer a combined supraclavicular and infraclavicular approach because it offers complete exposure of the subclavian artery, cervical and first ribs, and all soft tissue anomalies. Electronic Publication     

Computer-assisted instrumentation during endoscopic transaxillary first rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome: a safe alternate approach

The purpose of this article is to discuss the feasibility of using computer-enhanced instrumentation to improve visualization and therefore patient safety during transaxillary first rib resection. From November 1998 to July 2005, 105 patients who had failed conservative treatment underwent 131 procedures for thoracic outlet decompression. Eighty-nine endoscopic transaxillary first rib resections were completed using Aesop/Hermes integrated voice control instrumentation (Computer Motion, Goleta, CA). Since February 2003, dissection in 42 procedures was performed using the daVinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA). The surgical findings with cervical bands correlated with the preoperative symptoms. One hundred percent of patients with a combination of neurogenic and arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) requiring cervical rib resection had Roos type I and/or II bands. Additional surgical findings included the following: combination of neurogenic and arterial TOS without cervical ribs or neurogenic TOS alone had type III, IV, or V bands, and patients with venous compression (100%) had type VII bands. No mortalities or permanent neurovascular injuries occurred. There was a 6.1% postoperative complication rate. Persistent myofibrositis was found in 34% of patients with ongoing symptoms. CONCLUSION: The daVinci three-dimensional optical imaging system enhances visualization, thereby promoting telemanipulation of soft tissue structures in a relatively inaccessible working space. Endoscopic computerized instrumentation in transaxillary first rib resection decreases the risk of neurovascular injury, promotes complete decompression, and therefore provides a safe alternative to standard first rib resections.     

Supraclavicular approach for thoracic outlet decompression

Supraclavicular decompression of the thoracic outlet was performed in 40 patients with symptoms arising from brachial plexus compression were irritation. Both osseous and soft tissue structures responsible for this nerve compression were identified and removed without significant neurologic morbidity despite a 25% incidence of secondary operative procedures in this series. The cure or improvement rate matched what we previously reported for combined transaxillary and supraclavicular approach. Further follow-up will allow a determination of the durability of this technique, which, if acceptable, will justify a confident recommendation for its adoption in patients having thoracic outlet decompression.     

Surgical intervention is not required for all patients with subclavian vein thrombosis

PURPOSE: The role of thoracic outlet decompression in the treatment of primary axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis remains controversial. The timing and indications for surgery are not well defined, and thoracic outlet procedures may be associated with infrequent, but significant, morbidity. We examined the outcomes of patients treated with or without surgery after the results of initial thrombolytic therapy and a short period of outpatient anticoagulation. METHODS: Patients suspected of having a primary deep venous thrombosis underwent an urgent color-flow venous duplex ultrasound scan, followed by a venogram and catheter-directed thrombolysis. They were then converted from heparin to outpatient warfarin. Patients who remained asymptomatic received anticoagulants for 3 months. Patients who, at 4 weeks, had persistent symptoms of venous hypertension and positional obstruction of the subclavian vein, venous collaterals, or both demonstrated by means of venogram underwent thoracic outlet decompression and postoperative anticoagulation for 1 month. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were treated between June 1996 and June 1999. Of the 18 patients who received catheter-directed thrombolysis, complete patency was achieved in eight patients (44%), and partial patency was achieved in the remaining 10 patients (56%). Nine of 22 patients (41%) did not require surgery, and the remaining 13 patients underwent thoracic outlet decompression through a supraclavicular approach with scalenectomy, first-rib resection, and venolysis. Recurrent thrombosis developed in only one patient during the immediate period of anticoagulation. Eleven of 13 patients (85%) treated with surgery and eight of nine patients (89%) treated without surgery sustained durable relief of their symptoms and a return to their baseline level of physical activity. All patients who underwent surgery maintained their venous patency on follow-up duplex scanning imaging. CONCLUSION: Not all patients with primary axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis require surgical intervention. A period of observation while patients are receiving oral anticoagulation for at least 1 month allows the selection of patients who will do well with nonoperative therapy. Patients with persistent symptoms and venous obstruction should be offered thoracic outlet decompression. Chronic anticoagulation is not required in these patients.     

Neurogenic thoracic outlet decompression: rationale for sparing the first rib

A total of 168 primary supraclavicular decompressions were performed on 146 patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. This report compares the results of rib resection (supraclavicular anterior and middle scalenectomy and first rib resection) with rib-sparing (supraclavicular anterior and middle scalenectomy alone) operations. All patients with cervical ribs were excluded. In total, 125 rib resections and 43 rib-sparing procedures were performed between 1983 and 1992 by a single surgeon. The patients were otherwise comparable in symptoms and physical signs. During surgery there was a significantly higher proportion of pleural injury associated with rib resection (59%) than with rib-sparing (40%) procedures. The mean hospital stay was also prolonged by 1 day in patients undergoing rib resection (P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in early success between the two groups (83% for rib resection, 91% for rib sparing) and no difference in those resuming employment (52% and 63% respectively). Life-table analysis showed that the two groups have similar long-term results (69% and 76% at 2 years). The only important factor determining clinical outcome in primary supraclavicular thoracic outlet syndrome decompression was the duration of symptoms before operation. Some 83% of patients with symptoms less than 2 years had a successful result compared with only 68% in those with symptoms longer than 2 years (P < 0.05). Spontaneous or post-traumatic neurogenic symptoms responded to operation identically. The theoretical benefit of first rib resection to relieve mechanical compression of the brachial plexus is not evident from this review. Thorough removal of the scalene musculature and other myofascial anomalies, preferably through the supraclavicular approach, leads to less patient morbidity, shortens hospitalization, and is recommended for patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome requiring operative intervention.     

Endovascular Stent-Graft and First Rib Resection for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Complicated by an Aneurysm of the Subclavian Artery

Purpose: To report our experience with a combined endovascular and surgical approach for arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) complicated by an aneurysm of the subclavian artery.

Methods: We treated three consecutive patients suffering from arterial thoracic outlet syndrome complicated by an aneurysm of the subclavian artery by the use of a stent-graft and a first rib resection. These patients were reviewed retrospectively.

Results: At a mean follow-up of 37.3 months all patients were free of symptoms without late complications. Conclusions: Endovascular stent-grafting followed by decompression of the costoclavicular space is an attractive alternative to the conventional surgical approach of complicated arterial TOS.     

Supraclavicular reoperation for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome

Thirty-nine reoperations in 38 patients with recurrent symptoms of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome were performed by the supraclavicular approach. Scarring around the brachial plexus was the primary cause in 59% of procedures, whereas in 41% of reoperations residual osseous and soft tissue anomalies were identified in the supraclavicular area and were responsible for recurrence of symptoms. Anterior and middle scalenectomy and neurolysis of the brachial plexus were the procedures of choice. Complications included pleural entry (62%), lymphatic leak (10%), brachial plexus and phrenic nerve injuries (5% each), and long thoracic and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies (3% each). The initial success rate for secondary operations was 74%, and long-term success at 18 months was 45%. Patients who had demonstrable anatomic anomalies had better short- and long-term results than had patients with scarring alone. Compared with the results of primary operations for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, reoperations led to a longer hospital stay and inferior long-term results. Supraclavicular decompression allows maximal exposure of the brachial plexus and identification and correction of causative soft tissue and bony anomalies. For these reasons we recommend this as the approach of choice in both primary and secondary operations for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. (J VASC SURG 1994;19:565-72.)