Robot-Assisted First Fib Resection for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Background: When conservative measures fail in the treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), a first rib resection (FRR) is in order. Nowadays, a transaxillary or supraclavicular approach is most commonly used. However, both techniques have technical limitations. Objective: In this paper a minimal invasive, robot-assisted thoracoscopic technique tackling those shortcomings is proposed. Methods: A single-center retrospective study including 11 patients with 12 FRR’s from January 2017 until August 2018 was performed. The main focus was the feasibility of this new technique by looking at mean hospital stay, postoperative pain and complication rate. Clinical outcome was evaluated at 6 weeks.