First rib resection in the treatment of the thoracic outlet syndrome.

The thoracic outlet syndrome is now generally accepted as an entity that involves all neurovascular compression symptoms of the upper extremities at the tight thoracic outlet. We have treated 19 patients who developed significant symptoms of neurological, arterial or venous compression. Twelve patients presented predominantly and their angiograms demonstrated tight thoracic outlets as the underlying cause of vascular compression. Twenty three first rib resections were performed through the transaxillary approach with apparently complete relief of the syndrome. The similar etiology of the thoracic outlet syndrome and subclavian vein thrombosis was discussed on the basis of angiographic findings. We emphasize to thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons that first rib removal through the transaxillary route is an easy and safe method as a modified thoracoplasty.