Aberrant subclavian artery division and revascularization by a supraclavicular approach for definitive or staged treatment of dysphagia lusoria

Abstract

ObjectiveThere is no consensus on the optimal approach to treatment of dysphagia lusoria (DL), especially in the absence of a Kommerell diverticulum (KD). We leveraged our institutional experience to clarify the safety and efficacy of aberrant subclavian artery (aSA) division with revascularization by a supraclavicular approach alone in patients with DL. MethodsWe identified 10 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for DL at our institution between January 2007 and March 2019. Clinical and radiographic characteristics for all patients were collected. The primary outcome was improvement in dysphagia symptoms. Secondary outcomes included need for second-stage operation, postoperative complications, and long-term radiologic changes in the aSA remnant. ResultsSeven patients underwent initial division of the aSA followed by revascularization through a supraclavicular exposure, and three had simultaneous supraclavicular and transthoracic intervention. Median follow-up was 52 (range, 1-143) months. In the four patients without a KD, a supraclavicular approach alone resulted in improvement in dysphagia symptoms. Conversely, the three patients who had a KD did not have durable relief of dysphagia and required a second-stage transthoracic procedure. Postoperatively, one developed a pulmonary embolism after supraclavicular approach alone and two patients developed complications after transthoracic intervention: left recurrent laryngeal nerve neurapraxia and pleural effusion requiring thoracentesis in one, and thoracic duct injury requiring reoperation in the second. Among those who underwent a single-stage procedure by a supraclavicular approach alone, no patients had aneurysm progression, rupture, or dissection after median follow-up of 60 (range, 1-100) months. ConclusionsDivision and revascularization of the aSA through a supraclavicular exposure in patients with DL result in durable symptomatic improvement in the majority of patients, particularly those without a concomitant KD. Patients with a KD may require a second-stage procedure to address the KD, but it appears safe to trial staged intervention rather than simultaneous operations to divide the aSA and to address the KD.