Scalenotomy Treatment in India
About Scalenotomy
Key Highlights
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Targeted relief from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) symptoms like arm pain and numbness.Decompresses nerves (brachial plexus) and blood vessels (subclavian artery/vein).Can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with other decompressive surgeries (e.g., first rib resection).Minimally invasive approaches (e.g., transaxillary, supraclavicular) may reduce scarring and recovery time.Aims to restore normal upper limb function and improve quality of life when conservative treatments fail.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (NTOS) with compression by the scalene muscles.
- Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (venous or arterial) where muscle compression is a contributing factor.
- Persistent pain, paresthesia (tingling/numbness), or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand unresponsive to physical therapy.
- Positive clinical findings (e.g., positive Adson's test, Roos test) and corroborative imaging (MRI, ultrasound) or electrodiagnostic studies.
- Atrophy of hand muscles (e.g., in Gilliatt-Summer hand) in severe, long-standing cases of nerve compression.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including physical exam, nerve conduction studies, and imaging (MRI, CT angiography, or ultrasound).
- Complete medical history review and physical examination to assess surgical risk.
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray as required.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the surgeon, typically 5-7 days prior.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the surgery (nil by mouth).
- Discussion of anesthesia options (general anesthesia is standard) and signing of informed consent.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, or hematoma at the incision site.
- Nerve injury: Potential damage to the brachial plexus, phrenic nerve (causing diaphragm paralysis), or long thoracic nerve (causing winging of the scapula).
- Vascular injury: Rare risk of damage to the subclavian artery or vein, which could lead to significant bleeding or thrombosis.
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) if the pleural cavity is inadvertently entered.
- Persistent or recurrent symptoms if decompression is incomplete.
- Scarring and potential for chronic pain at the surgical site.
- Lymphatic injury (e.g., chyle leak) in left-sided procedures near the thoracic duct.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically short, often 1-2 days for observation and initial pain management.
- Arm may be placed in a sling for comfort initially, but early gentle movement is encouraged to prevent stiffness.
- Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
- Incision care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry; follow instructions for dressing changes and showering.
- Gradual return to activities: Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling for several weeks as directed.
- Formal physical therapy is usually started within 1-2 weeks post-surgery to restore strength, flexibility, and function.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and assess the resolution of symptoms.
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Typical hospital stay:
1-2 days
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Expected recovery time:
2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering scalenotomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for scalenotomy in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform scalenotomy. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for scalenotomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 80 Thousand – 250 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 280 Thousand – 875 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Scalenotomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing scalenotomy.
vijayawada, India
44 Doctors
Pari Brown, a 28-year-old graphic designer...
Pari Brown, a 28-year-old graphic designer and avid rock climber, had been struggling for over a year. It began as a vague numbness in her right ring and pinky fingers during long design sessions, but progressed to a constant, burning ache in her shoulder and neck, and a weak, clumsy grip that made holding her climbing gear terrifying. An MRI confirmed neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, with her brachial plexus compressed by tight scalene muscles. Her surgeon, Dr. Evans, recommended a right scalenotomy to decompress the nerves, explaining it as a 'keyhole' release. The minimally invasive procedure went smoothly. The first week of recovery was sore, but within a month, the burning pain was gone. By three months, she was carefully climbing again, her grip strength returning. Emotionally, she went from a state of anxious frustration, fearing her career and passion were over, to profound relief and a cautious optimism, feeling like she had reclaimed her body and her active life.
General surgeons for Scalenotomy
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform scalenotomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 41 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 39 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore