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Minimally invasive thymectomy for locally advanced recurrent thymoma
Wentao Fang1, Jian Feng1, Chunyu Ji1
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai 200030, China.
Journal of Visualized Surgery
|October 29, 2017
Summary
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) thymectomy is feasible for recurrent thymoma. This minimally invasive approach offers benefits for selected patients with advanced or recurrent thymic tumors.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Minimally invasive thymectomy (VATS) offers advantages for early-stage thymoma.
- Traditionally, VATS thymectomy is not recommended for locally advanced tumors or reoperations.
- This study explores VATS feasibility in recurrent invasive thymoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of VATS thymectomy in a patient with recurrent invasive thymoma.
- To evaluate the potential of VATS for selected cases of advanced or recurrent thymic tumors.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 45-year-old female with recurrent type B2 thymoma (rcStage III).
- Reoperation performed using left-approach VATS.
- Complete resection of the tumor with surrounding structures including remnant thymus, pericardium, left phrenic nerve, and left innominate vein.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced an uneventful recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 4.
- Pathologic findings confirmed an rpStage III type B tumor with invasion of the left phrenic nerve and left innominate vein.
Conclusions:
- VATS thymectomy can be feasible for locally advanced or recurrent thymic tumors in selected patients.
- VATS should be considered for these subgroups to enable them to benefit from minimally invasive surgery.