[Re-evaluation of effects of thymectomy on autoimmune myasthenia gravis].

In Japan, thymectomy for the treatment of autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG) underwent about 300 cases every year. The number of the cases has most 2001 and is decreasing henceforth. Such reduction is considered because a steadfast proof that thymectomy is effective in the treatment of autoimmune MG is not shown. Thymectomy for autoimmune MG is considerably effective for patient with generalized, severe, female patients. The validity of thymectomy for the treatment of autoimmune MG should be confirmed in a randomized, controlled trial targeted on these types of autoimmune MG patients, with standardized surgical approach.