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 o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery 2003-08, Vol.26 (2), p.170-175
Main Authors: Bhattacharya, V., Hansrani, M., Wyatt, M.G., Lambert, D., Jones, N.A.G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Decompression, Surgical - methods
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Outcome
Outcome Assessment (Health Care) - methods
Questionnaire
Surgery
Surveys and Questionnaires
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - surgery
Treatment Outcome
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Summary: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. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 26, 170-175 (2003)
ISSN:1078-5884
1532-2165
DOI:10.1053/ejvs.2002.1891