Complications of first rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome – A national registry study from Finland

Many studies have described the frequency of short-term complications in patients undergoing first rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The rate of long-term complications is less well known. 699 patients that had undergone first rib resection for TOS during 2004-2018 were identified from the Care Register for Healthcare in Finland. The prevalence of complications within 30 days and 1 year was analyzed. The prevalence of complications within 30 days was 9.8%, and complications occurred in 18.8% of the cases within 1 year. The rate of vascular and neural complications increased from 5.9% and 0.7% within 30 days to 10.3% and 2.7% within 1 year, respectively. Only a slight increase was seen in the rate of pneumo/chylothorax or infection. A follow-up of at least 1 year is prudent to detect all complications in patients undergoing first rib resection for TOS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (Retrospective cohort study).