Long-term results of thoracoscopic thymectomy for thymoma without myasthenia gravis

To compare the feasibility and safety of thoracoscopic thymectomy with conventional sternotomy thymectomy for thymoma without myasthenia gravis.

Data from 70 patients diagnosed with thymoma, who underwent thoracoscopic thymectomy (n = 25, Group T) or sternotomy thymectomy (n = 45, Group S) between March 2002 and March 2008, were retrospectively evaluated.

Mean follow-up durations were 78.0 ± 21.9 months and 70.0 ± 23.6 months in Groups T and S, respectively. No deaths occurred in Group T; seven deaths occurred in Group S, all > 1 month post follow-up. Durations of chest intubation and hospitalization were significantly shorter in Group T than in Group S. No significant between-group difference in the incidence of operative complications was observed. Tumour recurrence-free rates at 5 and 7 years postsurgery were 96% (both years) in Group T and 95% (both years) in Group S.

Long-term follow-up indicates that thoracoscopic thymectomy for thymoma without myasthenia gravis is effective and is well tolerated, and associated with low rates of operative complications and recurrence.