Surgical Thoracic Outlet Decompression for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Netherlands50 participantsStarted 2018-10-01
Plain-language summary
This study will determine the value of TOD (first rib resection with partial scalenectomy and neurolysis) on functionality and quality of life for patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. This will be done by randomizing patients into surgery or conservative therapy (physiotherapy and pain relief).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* High suspicion of NTOS with high level of impairment.
* The decision to refer a patient with NTOS for surgery is placed at the sole authority of the TOS multidisciplinary workgroup. Members of this workgroup are 2 dedicated vascular surgeons, 2 neurologists, 1 orthopedic surgeon, 3 physiotherapists, 2 radiologists, 3 anesthesiologists.
* This decision is based on the reporting standards published by Illig et al. in 2016. If a patient fits the criteria postulated in the reporting standards and if there is consensus within the multidisciplinary team, only then patients are referred for TOD.
* Fit for surgery, at the discretion of the treating vascular surgeon and anesthesiologist.
* Signed informed consent form.
* 18 years of age or older
* Dutch or English speaking patients
Exclusion Criteria:
* Unfit for surgery, at the discretion of the treating vascular surgeon and anesthesiologist.
* Younger than 18 years of age
* Patients that do not speak Dutch or English.
* Patients with a history of TOD
* Patients that did not receive previous conservative physiotherapy for this condition
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score
Timeframe: Change in this outcome will be measured at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 60 months after inclusion