I have read a lot about those who have the thoracic outlet decompression surgery with everyone knowing the mixed bag of results. It seems however that many people who undergo the procedure end up developing RSD or CRPS. I am wondering if anyone knows how prevalent that is with the surgery and how often that ends up occurring?

I have read that crush (compression) syndromes involving nerves can increase the likelihood of developing an RSD. As if TOS weren't bad enough, it must be that much more heartbreaking to add something on top of the symptoms. I am wondering if doctors do anything to prevent or mitigate the chances of this occurring or is it just pure luck of the draw?

yes, after a period of neuro pain the CRPS increases. Even young people are experiencing CRPS from breaks and injuries from sports. Nothing new, just a new age diagnosis to the good ole "reumatism"

From what I have been told by the TOS docs its all about the brain neurons firing continually which brings it on.

CRPS - RSD, chronic pain, FM, RLS is relentless and unforgiving

I had my rib removed almost a year ago and have been diagnosed with crps type 2. I was never told about the possibility of this god awful thing. I had venous tos and had to have the surgery but I know now there are precautions that can be taken, I get angry because I feel cheated, if your going to have surgery research stellate ganglion blocks prior to surgery and go to rsd.org and read their education resource section on surgery and rsd. They list a med protocol from before surgery, during and after.

I totally agree with you on this! I had my rib removed 6 months ago and constantly went back every 3 weeks to dr for CRPS symptoms/complaints. Finally now they diagnose me with the darn disease. My pain clinic dr informed me they could've prevented this syndrome with a nerve block prior to surgery, which they never put in. I AM ABSOLUTELY FURIOUS, signed the "cover your ***" line at the hospital and RSDS never came up anywhere in their pre-knife speech. I think they should put this in their "thoracic outlet syndrome" pamphlet.