Thymectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopy versus open surgical techniques

This study was conducted to compare operative variables and postoperative outcomes in adult patients with myasthenia gravis undergoing thymectomy through 3 different operative techniques: total median sternotomy, partial median sternotomy, and video-assisted thoracoscopy.

30 patients aged 20-65 years were included in this study. They were subdivided into: group A: 8 patients undergoing thymectomy through a total median sternotomy; group B: 9 patients undergoing thymectomy through a partial median sternotomy; and group C: 13 patients undergoing thymectomy through video-assisted thoracoscopy. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables, and mortality were compared among groups.

Preoperative variables were well matched in all groups. Operative time was significantly longer in group C. There was no intraoperative complication in any group. Postoperative length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in group C. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 (10%) patients, mostly in groups A and B. There was no perioperative mortality in any group.

Video-assisted thymectomy is as effective as the traditional open surgical approaches for thymectomy in the management of patients with myasthenia gravis. In addition, the improved cosmesis of the video-assisted approach ideally should lead to earlier thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis.