Surgery and When/If to Consider
 

I realize the statistics on TOS surgery (primarily NTOS surgery) are pretty poor. From every medical report and journal I've read, it rates long term success at about 30%. Most people experience some relief for a short period of 18-48 months or so, when symptoms start creeping back. Recurrence seems pretty common, especially for NTOS. Complications also seem pretty common, despite the literature suggesting otherwise. Curious for those out there, as I know some of you have had the surgery, some of you will not elect to, etc. What a poll would reveal.

For those that -did- have the surgery, were you ever able to return to work or did you wind up totally disabled?

I had the surgery(s) in 2004 - they stopped the progression and gave me some improvement, but would be disabled either way. Your body should be the one to tell you it's time for surgery: when you can't take it anymore and all other options have failed.

Please explain - were you just too far gone? Did you do bilateral procedures? Rib and scalene? What is your pain level now post surgery?

What absolutely stuns, saddens, and alarms me is that most every web site I find on surgery quotes a success rate of 80% or so. Yet I cannot find a single person who has had it be a success. Not one. I have scoured the Internet emailing even random strangers who don't post here - and nothing. I can't understand how doctors can post such outrageous claims as they surely seem bogus. How is that even legal or moral? Sigh...

success?
 

there is an article on pitchers and athletes with TOS: here is the title if you want to google it ****: What thoracic outlet syndrome could mean for Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes

here is another i found through this article: Ribs lost, careers saved: WUSM surgeon gets athletes back on the field

Very interesting poll, very excited to see the final results.

For those who did do the surgery and improved, did you remove rib AND scalene, or just scalene?

I had my left 1st rib resected along with a scalenectomy. It was a great success! I realize that I am only nearly 8 months out from the surgery, but my quality of life, my healing and my activities are where there were a few years ago!! I did have ATOS/VTOS however, no neuro involvement.

Recovery will depend on the type of TOS, the surgeon, the type of surgery, the resting period after surgery, the PT if needed, the health of the patient prior, during and after surgery... and the list goes on. Not everyone has the same results. However, the numbers look better for those with vascular involvement rather than primarily neuro involvement.

Very happy to hear of your results! Here's hoping your recovery continues. How did you get TOS?? Who was your surgeon?