Breaking Down Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Successful Surgery and Prevention Tips

Ms. Mien, a 48-year-old woman, experienced numbness in her right fingers and occasional cold right hand. She also complained of a tired arm and pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms. After visiting a doctor, she was diagnosed with a rare thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). TOS is caused by compression of blood vessels or nerves in the upper body by surrounding structures, leading to various symptoms like tingling, muscle weakness, and pain in different parts of the upper body.

Dr. Nguyen Anh Dung, Head of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City explained that Ms. Mien had severe stenosis of the right subclavian artery root and subclavian veins on both sides due to TOS. There are three types of TOS: neurogenic TOS, venous TOS, and arterial TOS. To treat Ms. Mien’s condition, a surgical team performed a procedure to widen the thoracic outlet by cutting the anterior bundle of the scalene muscle. The surgery was successful, and Ms. Mien experienced immediate relief from her symptoms following the surgery.

The cause of TOS can be attributed to various factors such as trauma, congenital anatomical abnormalities, bad posture, repetitive movements, and obesity. People at risk include office workers who spend long hours sitting at their desks or athletes who perform repetitive movements during training sessions or competitions. It is important to seek treatment for TOS as it can lead to complications like chronic pain, swelling or blood clots if left untreated.

Physical therapy is often recommended as the first-line treatment for TOS along with medications to manage symptoms effectively. If conservative treatments are unsuccessful surgery may be recommended as an option.

Patients should also maintain good posture while sitting or standing for extended periods and practice healthy weight management techniques to reduce stress on their shoulders and muscles around the thoracic outlet.

Regular exercise and stretching can help strengthen shoulder muscles and reduce pressure on the thoracic outlet.

In conclusion, TOS is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications like chronic pain or blood clots that may result from prolonged compression of nerves or blood vessels in the upper body region.