Thoracoscopic thymectomy versus open thymectomy for the treatment of thymoma: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Some studies compared the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic thymectomy (OT) with open thymectomy (TT) in the treatment of thymoma, but the results remained controversial. This meta-analysis was designed to determine the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic thymectomy in comparison with open thymectomy in the treatment of thymoma.

METHODS

Relevant studies were searched in databases of PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Comparative studies of thoracoscopic thymectomy and open thymectomy in the treatment of thymoma were included. Both short-term perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

14 Eligible studies were identified through electronic databases. Our analysis suggested, when compared with open thymectomy, patients having thoracoscopy might benefit from less blood loss (p = 0.004), lower blood transfusion rate (p = 0.02), shorter mean duration of chest tube (p = 0.002), hospital stay (p < 0.001) and lower complication (p = 0.03). There was no statistical difference in 5-year OS rate (p = 0.14) and DFS/RFS rate (p = 0.07) between two groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that thoracoscopic thymectomy could become a valid alternative to open thymectomy in selected patients with thymoma.