Open versus thoracoscopic thymectomy for juvenile myasthenia gravis

Juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG) is an antibody mediated autoimmune disorder that manifests as progressive voluntary muscle weakness and fatigue. In medically refractory cases, thymectomy has been shown to abrogate symptoms and reduce glucocorticoid dependence. While transcervical or transsternal incisions have been the traditional approach, adult trends now favor thoracoscopic thymectomy. Little data exist to support this approach in children.

A retrospective review of all patients younger than 20 years of age who underwent a thymectomy for JMG at two pediatric institutions between 2001 and 2018 was performed. Children were divided into either an open (transcervical or transsternal) or thoracoscopic group and baseline characteristics, perioperative, and postoperative outcomes were compared.

Thirty-four thymectomies were performed during the 18-year study period; 18 via an open and 16 via a thoracoscopic approach. The operative time was shorter for open procedures compared thoracoscopic ones (108 ± 49 and 145 ± 43 min, respectively, p = 0.025). Thoracoscopic thymectomy was associated with less intraoperative blood loss (5.5 ± 6.0 vs 55 ± 67 ml, p = 0.007), decreased duration of postoperative intravenous narcotic use (5.0 ± 1.5 vs 20 ± 23 h, p = 0.018), and a shorter length of hospitalization (1.7 ± 1.0 vs 2.7 ± 1.1 days, p = 0.009). No perioperative complication occurred in either group. Clinical improvement was reported in 94% of children in both groups.

Thoracoscopic thymectomy in children is a safe and effective surgical technique for the treatment of JMG. Increased acceptance of this minimally invasive approach by children, families, and referring neurologists may enable earlier surgical intervention.

Clinical research paper.

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