Neurogenic TOS: Early postoperative care

Postoperative care after surgery for neurogenic TOS is an important consideration in optimizing patient outcomes. This begins with setting appropriate expectations prior to surgery and extends from the immediate postoperative period through outpatient office follow-up. Concerns during the immediate postoperative inpatient hospitalization revolve around attention to the volume and character of drain output, various pharmacological approaches to pain management, dietary recommendations, monitoring for and treatment of common and unusual complications, and early implementation of physical therapy. Development and use of a consistent protocol for early postoperative care is of great benefit to the surgeon and clinical team responsible for patients with neurogenic TOS.