Learn about Scalenotomy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Scalenotomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Scalenotomy

Scalenotomy is a specialized surgical procedure performed by a general surgeon to relieve compression of the neurovascular structures in the thoracic outlet. It involves the precise division or partial resection of the scalene muscles, anterior, middle, or both, in the neck. This decompression is primarily indicated for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), where these muscles impinge on the brachial plexus nerves or the subclavian artery and vein, causing pain, numbness, weakness, and circulatory issues in the arm and hand. The procedure aims to restore normal function and alleviate chronic symptoms, often performed when conservative treatments like physical therapy have failed. It is a targeted approach to improve quality of life by addressing a key anatomical cause of nerve and vascular entrapment.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
  • checked 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.

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 USD 841 – USD 2,629 1-2 days ~ 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional recovery Know More
Turkey USD 6,094 – USD 19,045 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.

Manipal Hospital

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

SPARSH Hospital, Yelahanka

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon54 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

SS SPARSH Hospital, RR Nagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon6 Doctors

General surgeons for Scalenotomy

Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform scalenotomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Prakasam Rangaswamy K - General surgeon at Miot Hospital Chennai with 23 years experience
  • 23 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anand N S - General surgeon at Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur with 19 years experience
  • 19 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sathish N - General surgeon at Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur with 19 years experience
  • 19 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ramraj Vemala Nagendra Gupta - General surgeon at Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur with 16 years experience
  • 16 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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Dr. Vinay A V - General surgeon at Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur with 12 years experience
  • 12 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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Dr. Veeresh Annigeri - General surgeon at Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur with 10 years experience
  • 10 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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Dr. Hemanth Kumar P - General surgeon at Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road with 28 years experience
  • 28 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

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Dr. Viswanath S - General surgeon at Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road with 25 years experience
  • 25 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

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Dr. Karthikeyan S - General surgeon at Manipal Hospital Salem with 14 years experience
  • 14 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem

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Dr. Aritra Ghosh - General surgeon at Manipal Hospital Whitefield with 17 years experience
  • 17 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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