Post-radiotherapy lesions of the brachial plexus. Classification and results of surgical treatment
Le-Quang, C.
Chirurgie; Memoires de l'Academie de Chirurgie 119(5): 243-251
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-4001 PMID: 7924606 Document Number: 415715
A series of 60 cases with a follow-up of 3 to 13 years among 118 operations for post-radiation lesions of the brachial plexus performed between 1978 and 1990 was investigated as a function of three features: 1) anatomic classification according to 3 stages for per-operatory observations of extrinsic and intrinsic compression, 2) clinical classification according to 4 types of sensoro-motor neurological symptoms and 3) the different operative procedures used for decompression. It was concluded that post-radiation plexuses should be operated as early as possible as soon as paraesthesia appears and before the onset of pain since the aim of the operation is to stabilize the clinical course and not achieve cure. It was also found that the best operative procedure is a selective neurolysis of the plexus completed by a pedicled omentoplasty.