Thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: evaluation of results in 282 patients.

The results of thymectomy in 282 patients with acquired and generalised myasthenia gravis are presented. The study includes patients submitted to surgical treatment in the period between 1958 and 1990. Remission or marked improvement was obtained in 70% of the patients with follow-up extending from one to 25 years. The total post-operative mortality rate was 8% dying predominantly patients with thymoma. Median sternotomy was made in 278 patients, transcervical thymectomy in two patients and thyroidectomy with concomitant thymectomy in other two. Surgical methods, operatory phases, previous treatment with prednisone and long term evolution with final results are discussed.