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

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.