A Case Report of Primary Malignant Pulmonary Melanoma.

We operated on primary malignant melanoma of the lung, attaching the pericardium, diaphragm, and parietal pleura. A 48-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of persistent dyspnea and cough. A preoperative computed tomography of the chest revealed 3 lesions in the right lung and a mass on the diaphragm between the right lung's lower lobe and heart. A middle lobectomy was performed. The mass on the diaphragm had invaded the diaphragm and pericardium strictly. With a pericardiectomy and a diaphragmatic resection, the mass was removed in an en-bloc manner. Adjuvant chemotherapy was started 1 month after surgery and consisted of 5 days course of iv injection of cisplatin (90 mg/kg). The follow-up period was 5 years and uneventful. For primary pulmonary melanoma, even if it has intrapulmonary metastases, surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy can provide uneventful survival for more than 5 years.

Current surgical therapy for bronchiectasis: surgical results and predictive factors in 86 patients.

BACKGROUND: This study retrospectively evaluated the surgical indications and outcomes of 86 patients with bronchiectasis. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2013, the clinical and surgical specifications as well as follow-up results of patients with bronchiectasis were reviewed. Cystic and cylindric morphologic features were determined by chest computed tomography and hemodynamics (perfused and nonperfused), by lung ventilation/perfusion scans. The main indication for surgical resection was localized areas of cystic, nonperfused bronchiectasis. RESULTS: Patients were a mean age of 37.8 ± 14.5 years. Symptom duration was 43.4 ± 36.9 months. Bronchiectasis was saccular in 66 patients (76.7%) and varicose in 20 (23.3%). Localized defects were limited in one region of the lung in 53 (61.6%), and 54 (62.8%) showed a mixed or an obstructive ventilatory pattern. Failure of medical therapy was the most common indication for pulmonary resection. The 86 patients underwent 98 operations. Ten underwent staged thoracotomies (contralateral lobectomy, 7; contralateral segmentectomy, 3). Complete resection of all bronchiectatic areas was done in 78 patients (90.7%). Complications developed in 14 patients (14.6%). The mortality rate was 1.1% (n = 1). After surgical treatment, 71 of 86 patients (82.5%) were free of symptoms (excellent), and the remaining 15 (17.5%) had a reduction in preoperative symptoms. The 53 patients with localized perfusion defects underwent complete resection and had symptom-free (excellent) postoperative results. Complete resection independently predicted symptom-free outcome (p < 0.05); a forced expiratory volume in 1 second of less than 60% of the predicted value, an incomplete resection, and a preoperative antibiotic therapy independently predicted postoperative complications (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bronchiectasis can be improved with operation. In properly selected patients, pulmonary resection can be done with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates and can lead to lasting symptomatic improvements.

Symmetrical excessive pectus excavatum in children.

OBJECTIVES: The indications for repair of pectus excavatum are controversial. We present our surgical results in children with severe pectus excavatum. METHODS: 27 children aged 6-15-years were included in the study. Pulmonary function tests and chest measurements were performed pre- and postoperatively. Deformed cartilages were resected subperichondrially, and a Kirchner wire was used to support the chest cage; it was removed 5 days after the operation. Fourteen children with restricted pulmonary function were considered to have excessive pectus excavatum. RESULTS: 3 patients had asthma-like symptoms that resolved postoperatively. None suffered chest pain postoperatively. Postoperative hospital stay was 7.1 days. Only minor complications occurred postoperatively. The mean pectus severity index was 0.27 ± 0.2 preoperatively and 0.41 ± 0.1 postoperatively (p < 0.05). For children with restricted pulmonary function, it was 0.17 ± 0.3 preoperatively and 0.38 ± 0.2 postoperatively (p < 0.05). Mean percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s changed significantly from 79.2% ± 17.8% preoperatively to 83.6% ± 12.2% by the 3rd postoperative month. For children with a pectus severity index <0.2, it changed from 68.5% ± 13.2% preoperatively to 82.3% ± 13.4%. Pulmonary restriction correlated with a worse pectus severity index (r = 0.8). After 6 and 13 months, a minor decrease in pulmonary function was noted. Significant increases in right and left ventricular function occurred in cases of severe deformity. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is recommended not only for cosmetic reasons but also to increase cardiorespiratory functional capacity and alleviate symptoms. Kirchner wires can be used safely.

Multiple cystic pulmonary chondroid hamartomas colonized by Aspergillus species: report of a case.

Pulmonary hamartoma is the most common benign neoplasm of the lung, but the cystic form is very rare. This report presents the case of a 31-year-old woman with two cystic pulmonary lesions. She was radiologically and clinically diagnosed to have multiple ruptured hydatid cysts, and underwent a thoracotomy. The pathological investigation revealed that these lesions were cystic chondroid hamartomas, and one of the cysts was colonized by Aspergillus. Multilocular pulmonary cystic hamartomas are exceptionally rare and should be differentiated from other cystic pulmonary lesions. This is the first case of cystic pulmonary hamartomas colonized by Aspergillus species.

Predictors of mortality within three months in the patients with malignant pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) has a limited life expectancy (3-12 months). We investigated the predictors of the early mortality (EM) within three months. METHODS: The patients were retrospectively grouped according to the death within three months (Group I) and survival more than three months (Group II). Demographical, clinical, and biochemical parameters in the fluid were analysed to determine their effects on the EM. The 30-day response rate of talc pleurodesis was investigated. RESULTS: The study included 85 patients (Group I/Group II=40/45). The patients in Group I died within a median of 28 days. Twenty-six patients in Group II died in a median of 205, but 19 were still alive (median 200 days). The median survival was longer in renal cell, colorectal, breast, liver, ovarian and oropharynx carcinoma, and mesothelioma. Sixty-two patients (63%) underwent talc pleurodesis, which prevented the fluid reaccumulation (p=0.04). The significant factors of the EM in the univariate analysis were the presence of high-risk tumors (lung, stomach, soft tissue, bladder, esophagus, prostate, cervix, and lymphoma), the low Karnofsky performance score (KPS) (p<0.0001), the low pH value of the fluid (p=0.05), and the low concentration of glucose (p=0.01), total protein (p<0.0001), and albumin (p<0.0001) in the fluid. According to the multivariate analysis high-risk tumors (p=0.03), a lower KPS (p<0.001), and glucose value (p=0.04) were the predictors of the EM. CONCLUSION: Talc pleurodesis prevents the fluid reaccumulation. High-risk tumors, a poor performance status, and lower pleural fluid glucose concentration are predictors of the EM within three months in the patients with a MPE.

Thoracotomy in Thoracic Injuries: Results from a Tertiary Referral Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Critically injured patients may require thoracotomy after a thoracic injury. This study is a retrospective analysis of the results of thoracotomy in patients with thoracic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Injured patients with detectable signs of life on arrival at the hospital and who underwent thoracotomy within 4 h of the injury were investigated. Demographic data and medical records were reviewed for associated injuries, indications, intraoperative findings, and outcomes. The factors affecting the mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: Between April 2003 and January 2009, 488 patients with thoracic injury (blunt/penetrating = 73.7%/26.3%) were treated, and 20 (4.1%) underwent thoracotomy (male/female = 17/3, mean age = 27 ± 9 years). The injury was penetrating in 15 (11.7%) and blunt in five (1.4%). None of them required an endotracheal intubation at the scene or in transit. The mean transport time was 58 min. Severe and continuous hemothorax (80%), massive air leak, major vessel injury, and trauma causing an open chest wall defect with bleeding were indications of the thoracotomy. Eighty-five percent survived after the surgery (penetrating/ blunt = 86.6%/80%). The mean injury severity score (ISS) of the survivors was lower (21 ± 9 vs. 39 ± 10, p = 0.05). Mortality was associated with a lower Glasgow coma scale (GCS) (p = 0.03), a higher ISS (p = 0.05), and a longer transport time (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracotomy after thoracic injury is a life-saving procedure in selected cases. Lower GCS and higher ISS are associated with increased mortality. Early transport and quick attempts to diagnose the indications necessitating thoracotomy play a significant role in improving the outcome.

Surgical treatment of intrathoracic hydatid disease: a 5-year experience in an endemic region.

PURPOSE: To present our recent surgical experience in treating patients with intrathoracic hydatidosis. METHODS: This study reviewed the files of patients with pulmonary/intrathoracic extrapulmonary hydatid cysts treated surgically between 2003 and 2009. Demographic, laboratory and radiological data, clinical manifestations, site of the cyst, surgical approaches, and final outcome were noted and analyzed. RESULTS: Forty patients underwent 42 operations (21 females, 19 males, mean age 36 years). Thirty-six patients (90%) had pulmonary (56.7% were intact/uncomplicated), three (7.5%) had intrathoracic extrapulmonary, and one (2.5%) had both pulmonary/intrathoracic extrapulmonary hydatid cysts. The right lung was involved in 64.9%. Larger pulmonary cysts ruptured more commonly (P = 0.007). Most patients (95%) were symptomatic, mostly dyspneic (72.5%). The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s value was significantly reduced in cases with a large (P < 0.0001), or ruptured cyst (P = 0.05). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in case of rupture (P = 0.05). A thoracotomy was performed for all patients. A cystotomy and capitonnage was performed more commonly than cystotomy without capitonnage for the pulmonary, and total excision was performed for the intrathoracic extrapulmonary hydatid cysts. The mortality was 0% and the morbidity was 17.5%. All patients received antihelminthic therapy postoperatively. There was no recurrence. CONCLUSION: Surgery is considered to be the optimal treatment for intrathoracic hydatid disease. In addition, recurrence is very low when all such patients receive postoperative antihelminthic therapy.

Clinical and surgical specifications of adult unilateral diaphragmatic eventration according to their aetiology in 28 patients. Importance of using diaphragmatic patch and minimal thoracotomy incision.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the differences among various diaphragmatic eventration (DE) aetiologies and to compare the outcomes of the operation relative to the use of a diaphragmatic patch. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2009, 28 patients with a DE who underwent surgery were classified according to the following aetiology: (a) previous operation or disease, (b) congenital/idiopathic and (c) trauma. Patients who received diaphragmatic patches during their operations (plication+patch, P/P, 19 cases) were compared with the patients receiving sole plication during the operation (P, 9 cases). The operations had been performed through a minimal length lateral thoracotomy incision (12-14 cm). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 53.3+/-9.8 years. A high hemi-diaphragm (alone or associated with a blunt sinus or a wide mediastinum) was the most prominent chest X-ray (CXR) finding in 19 patients (68%). The postoperative mean forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV(1)) value (2.1+/-0.7) and the dyspnoea score (1.8+/-0.7) were better than the preoperative values (1.7+/-0.6; 3.4+/-0.9, respectively). The average height of the diaphragm (7.8+/-3.1cm) was not correlated with the dyspnoea score and the FEV(1) value. Postoperative complications (4/28 or 14.3%) were minimal, excluding one respiratory insufficiency. The mean follow-up time was 23.4+/-17.8 months. Patients with congenital aetiology were younger, had higher diaphragms, had earlier operations after symptoms started and had better preoperative FEV(1) values. P/P operations were done later than P operations. The P/P method patients had shorter postoperative hospital stays than the P method patients. Two diaphragmatic events (recurrence and herniation) occurred after the operations were performed with the P method. CONCLUSIONS: Buttressing the diaphragm by patch after the plication can protect from recurrence of a DE or any diaphragmatic insufficiency. Previous abdominal interventions may increase the complication rate after a DE operation.

[Case report: secondary pleural hydatidosis].

Hydatid cyst has a predilection to locate in liver, lungs, and brain. Intrathoracic extrapulmonary locations are generally the mediastinum, pleura, pericardium and chest wall. Pleural involvement usually follows the rupture of a pulmonary or hepatic cyst inside the pleural space causing secondary pleural hydatidosis. Radiological investigations of a patient suffering from cough and dyspnea revealed multiple cysts located in the posterior lower right hemithorax, and implanted in the diaphragmatic pleura and parietal pleura lining the chest wall. He had undergone two hepatic hydatid cystectomy operations. These multiple cysts were removed by thoracotomy. The possibility of secondary pleural dissemination should be considered in patients with lobulated cystic masses as well as a previous hepatic cystic hydatid disease.

Case report: mediastinal hydatid cysts.

Although the intrathoracic location is common for hydatid cyst, chest-wall, mediastinal, pericardial, myocardial, fissural and pleural-space locations have been reported. The incidence of mediastinal involvement is 0.1-0.5%. Here in this paper, two cases of mediastinal hydatid cysts are reported. Both of them had anterior mediastinal hydatidosis, while one of the patients had also additional three pericardial hydatid cysts. They have undergone thoracotomy for the removal of cystic lesions. Hydatid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal cystic lesions especially in the endemic regions. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice for mediastinal hydatid cysts, and additional medical therapy may avoid recurrence.

Unilateral post-traumatic pulmonary contusion: findings of a review.

PURPOSE: There is still much controversy regarding the optimal treatment for pulmonary contusion. Therefore, we examined the variables affecting patient outcomes over a 10-year period. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 107 consecutive patients with a mean age of 28 years, who were treated for pulmonary contusion during a 10-year period. Pulmonary perfusion scans were obtained for 11 patients. We used a pulmonary contusion score (PCS) of one-third of a lung = 3 and the entire lung = 9. RESULTS: Overall mortality was 15%, which increased to 24.4% in patients with a PCS of 7-9. The time taken for contusions to resolve was longer based on scan results than chest X-rays (42.6 vs 15.5 days, respectively). Concomitant thoracic injures were present in 64.5% of patients, and 29% had a flail chest. The factors predictive of mortality were age >/=60 years, an injury severity score (ISS) >/=25, transfusion of >/=4 units of blood, a PaO(2)/FIO(2) ratio of <300, concomitant flail chest, and a PCS of 7-9. The predictors for mechanical ventilation were age >/=60 years, concomitant flail chest, a PCS of 7-9, and an ISS >/=25. Mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation were higher in patients with nonisolated contusions than in those with isolated contusions. CONCLUSIONS: Optimizing patient outcome requires prompt diagnosis, appropriate maintenance of fluid volume, and selective mechanical ventilation.

Blunt thoracic trauma in children: review of 137 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic injuries are uncommon in children and few report present on blunt ones. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2003, 137 children with blunt thoracic injury were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age of children was 6.9+/-7.3 (1-16) years. Etiology was falls in 46.7%, traffical accidents in 51% and abuse in 2.2%. Average height in fallen-down cases was 6.4+/-2 (range: 3-11) m. Calculated mean kinetic energy transfer to body was 1923+/-1056 J. When first seen, 70% (82/117) of the patients had vital signs that were within normal limits. Forty-two (35.9%) children had isolated thoracic injury. Associated injuries were present in 75 (64.1%) children. Head injury was the most common associated injury present in 33 (28.2%). Pulmonary contusion was the most common thoracic injury with 68 (49.6%). Seventeen (12.4%) required surgery, 11 (8%) of them were thoracic (4 for diaphragmatic tear, 2 for flail chest, 2 for tracheobronchial injuries, 2 for laceration, 1 for esophageal rupture). Surgical group had higher ISS (26.8 vs 36.2, P = 0.001). Fifteen were lost (10.9%): There were lethal injuries in 7; chest tube treatment in 3; intensive care unit management in 2; mechanical support in 2 and observation in 1 patient. No death occurred for operations. Mortality rate was the lowest at injuries to chest alone and the highest for multi-system injuries (P < 0.05). The hospital length of stay for averaged 13.4+/-8.8 (range: 4-49) days. CONCLUSION: Associated injury is the most important mortality factor. Thoracic operations can be performed with minimal morbidity and without mortality in children with blunt thoracic trauma.

[Flail chest due to blunt trauma: clinical features and factors affecting prognosis]. / Künt travmaya bagli yelken gögüs: Klinik özellikler ve prognozu etkileyen faktörler.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the clinical features of patients with flail chest, together with treatment results, and the factors affecting prognosis. METHODS: The study included 34 patients (27 males, 7 females; mean age 41 years; range 15-61 years) who underwent treatment for flail chest. A retrospective analysis was made regarding the etiology, injury to the chest wall, pulmonary contusion, hemothorax and pneumothorax requiring chest tube, associated injuries, injury severity score (ISS), the presence of shock on admission, the amount of blood transfusions within the first 24 hours, treatment, and the results. RESULTS: The most common cause of flail chest was traffic accidents (79.4%). Shock was detected in 41.2% and pulmonary contusions in 55.9%. Ventilatory support was required in 70.6%. The mean ISS was 36; mortality occurred in 32.4%. In seven patients without associated injuries and who did not receive ventilatory support, the mean ISS was 22.8 and all survived. However, in 18 patients with associated organ injuries, the mean ISS was 43.6, with mortality being 50% (p<0.05). Factors responsible for prolonged ventilatory support, pneumonia, and septic deaths included ISS above 31, associated fractures and injuries, blood transfusions, the need for chest tube, age equal to or above 50 years, and the presence of bilateral flail chest. The incidences of pneumonia and mortality were significantly less in patients treated with internal fixation (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data show that careful fluid management and effective pain control, stabilization of the chest wall, immediate ventilatory support and early weaning from ventilation are the mainstays of treatment.

Open fixation in flail chest: review of 64 patients.

The strategy for treatment of flail chest remains controversial. Various alternatives were assessed by reviewing the records of 64 patients treated from 1991 through 2000. Patients were classified according to therapeutic approach: group 1 was 27 patients who underwent open fixation of the fractured ribs, group 2 was 19 patients managed by intermittent positive-pressure ventilation, and group 3 was 18 patients managed mainly by synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation. Two patients initially treated by ventilation underwent successful open fixation. In group 1, ventilatory support was required in 21 (77.8%) patients postoperatively, the mean duration of ventilation was 3.1 days, mean hospital stay was 18.3 days, morbidity was 11.1% (3/27), and mortality was 11.1%. In groups 2 and 3, the mean time for stabilization of paradoxical chest wall movement was 6.6 days, and mean duration of ventilation was 7.2 days. Mortality was 27.0% (10/37) in patients treated nonsurgically; 21.0% (4/19) in group 2, and 33.3% (6/18) in group 3. In groups 2 and 3, pain control required epidural analgesia in 13 (35.1%) cases, intercostal nerve blockade in 16 (43.2%), and narcotic or nonnarcotic parenteral analgesia in 8 (21.6%). Open fixation is a successful treatment modality for traumatic flail chest.

Esophageal foreign bodies under cricopharyngeal level in children: an analysis of 1116 cases.

Esophageal foreign bodies (FBs) in children are a commonly seen complaint that can cause severe morbidity. Different methods are used for their extraction. We reviewed our cases and described direct extraction technique. The specifications of 1116 children with esophageal FBs between 1990 and 2000 were evaluated. All FB cases were considered emergencies and intervention was performed in the operating theater. Patients with coins were only sedated and relaxed while the FB was removed under direct vision by McGill forceps. Other FBs were removed under general anesthesia by rigid esophagoscope. There were 1035 coins in 1007 patients and 112 other FBs in 109 children. Mean age was 4.2 years, ranging from 1 month to 15 years. Immediate interventions were performed in 16 (1.4%) patients. Reasons included respiratory distress from pressure in eight (five coins, three toy pieces), increased rupture risk after 4 days in three (all coins) and esophageal rupture in five patients. Four (0.3%) perforations occurred during intervention; two (0.02%, 2/1116) arose from coin extraction, and another two (1.8%, 2/109) were caused by esophagoscopic removal. The success rate for esophagoscopic removal was 95.4% (105/109). Three (0.2%) of 1116 patients underwent surgery to remove FBs. All were esophagoscopy patients, thus the surgery ratio for esophagoscopic removal was 2.7% (3/109). If an FB is diagnosed quickly and removed few problems arise. Esophageal coins can be successfully extracted under direct vision.

Pneumonectomy in children for destroyed lung and the long-term consequences.

OBJECTIVES: Destroyed lung introduces irreversible changes in lung parenchyma. This condition is uncommon in children. Operative intervention is essential for children in this state. We demonstrate our experience with this condition and report on the respective long-term results. METHOD: Seventeen children who underwent pneumonectomy for destroyed lung during a 15-year period were retrospectively analyzed. Long-term results were detected in 13 patients. RESULTS: Seventeen children underwent pneumonectomy. Five children were female (29.4%), and 12 children were male (70.5%). The median age of the study group children was 9.1 years (3-16 years). Sputum was the most common presenting symptom (n = 13, 76.4%). Bronchiectasis (n = 11), tuberculosis (n = 4), and necrotizing lung disease (n = 2) were the main underlying conditions. Destroyed lung was detected on the left side in 14 children (82.4%) and on the right side in 3 children (17.6%). Main bronchial stenosis was found in 4 children and mucosal thickening or congestion in 5 children. The median length of hospital stay was 15.5 days. The mortality rate was 11.7% (n = 2), and the morbidity rate was 23.5% (n = 4). Follow-up information was available for 13 patients, and this ranged from 1 year to 12 years (median 5.2 years). The respiratory capacity and scoliosis level of the patients were examined. CONCLUSIONS: Although pneumonectomy is considered a difficult procedure in children, its use for destroyed lung resolves complications and improves a patient's quality of life. In time, the remaining lung expands to compensate for the loss of the removed lung. Children grew and developed normally after pneumonectomy. Patients tend not to have major skeletal deformation as the result of pneumonectomy in the short term.

Thoracic firearm injuries in children: management and analysis of prognostic factors.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic firearm injuries (TFI) have become increasingly prevalent in children. Our purpose is to assess the injury pattern, Injury Severity Score (ISS), length of hospital stay (LOS), management and outcome of children with TFI with respect to the type of injury and to evaluate the value of ISS for predicting injury severity and the eventual need for thoracotomy, as well as the rate of morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Between January 1987 and June 2002, 110 children (88 boys and 22 girls) 25. SGW and EW groups had a significantly higher ISS. The mean LOS was 10.84+/-4.7 days (range 4-42). The value of LOS was significantly higher in children with SGW and EW. CONCLUSION: The majority of TFI in children can be treated successfully by tube thoracostomy if there are no gross pulmonary lacerations and airway injuries. SGW and EW were commonly associated with higher ISS and LOS. The ISS was found to be an independent predictor of the need for thoracotomy, as well as for rates of morbidity and mortality.

Surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome: effect and results of surgery.

BACKGROUND: Because of the difficulty in diagnosis and different treatment options, debate on thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) has continued. Our aim is to report our surgical experience. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with thoracic outlet syndrome were operated on between 1985 and 2000. Mean age was 37.9 years (range, 17 to 58 years); female/male ratio was 41/6. The most frequent symptom was paresthesia (72.3%). Seventeen patients (36%) had bilateral symptoms. Of all, 89.3% (42 cases) were neurologic thoracic outlet syndrome, and 10.7% (five cases) were vascular. Lower plexus (C8-T1/ulnar nerve) compression was present in 36 patients and upper plexus (C5-C7/median nerve) compression in 6 patients. Doppler ultrasonography in 11 patients, angiography in 8, and lymph node scintigraphy in 1 patient were also performed. Main operative indications were persistence of symptoms after conservative therapy and reduced (< 60 m/s) ulnar nerve conduction velocity. RESULTS: Fifty-five operations were performed on the 47 patients. First (59.6%) and cervical costae (21.3%) resections were the most frequent operations. Mean ulnar nerve conduction velocity was 54.8 m/s (range, 43 to 68 m/s) preoperatively and 69.4 m/s (range, 47 to 70 m/s) postoperatively (p < 0.05). The morbidity rate was 17% (8 of 47). No difference was observed between transaxillary and supraclavicular incisions. No brachial plexus injuries occurred. The most frequent cause of morbidity was incisional pain. Two reoperations were performed for recurrences. Follow-up was 4.6 years, and 75% of lower plexus and 50% of upper plexus compressions remained asymptomatic. Severe and long-term pain occurred in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical decompression for thoracic outlet syndrome is efficient and dependable, but results deteriorate over time.