[Video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: report of 62 cases].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis(MG). METHODS: Sixty-two MG cases underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy. The operative extension included thymus tissue and adipose tissue in anterior superior mediastinum. RESULTS: All operations were performed successfully. The mean operating duration, mean intraoperative blood loss and mean postoperative hospital stay was 98 ± 26 minutes, 60 ± 29 ml and 8.2 ± 2.5 days respectively. All cases were followed up for 5 to 48 months. Among them, 20 (32.3%) patients achieved a complete relief, 32 (51.6%) had their improved symptoms, 8 (12.9%) remained stable and 2 (3.2%) became worse. And the overall relief rate was 83.9%. CONCLUSION: Video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy is both feasible and reliable for MG with the advantages of a minimal trauma and a rapid recovery.