Originally Posted by Jo*mar

Usually the surgery for TOS is called a rib resection and sometimes a scalenectomy is done at the same time.

[What kind of surgery and how is it done?

The goal of surgery is to clearly identify and correct the cause of the compression, which can be an abnormality of the tendons, the scalene muscles or the bones that make up the thoracic outlet (the first rib or clavicle). There are 2 basic operations for thoracic outlet syndrome, usually referred to as: rib resection or scalenectomy. The scalenectomy operation is designed to remove the scalene muscles that may cause some of the compression on the brachial plexus nerves. It involves an incision just above the clavicle (collarbone). The operation takes about 1-2 hours. Most patients may be discharged the following day.

The fib resection is a more involved operation. It is designed to relieve compression caused by the first rib or other structures, at the same time it requires a partial scalenectomy. It may be done through an incision above the clavicle or an incision under the arm (the axilla). It has the advantage of being more complete operation. This operation takes between 1 V2 and 2 V2 hours. Most patients will be discharged the following day.

The choice of operation is based on several factors; the clinical symptoms, the anatomical information provided by the examination and other tests, such as the x-rays and MRI. It is also important to take into account previous treatments or operations. Generally both types of operations can relieve the symptoms, although the experience of our surgeons indicates that the rib resection type of operation, being a more complete procedure, is more likely to offer longer lasting benefit. ]
more-
http://www.surgery.ucla.edu/vascular...Syndrome.shtml

Some videos for more info too-
http://www.google.com/search?q=thora...w=1360&bih=668


I hope she recovers well.