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Updated: Dec 29, 2025
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Robotic assisted transaxillary thymectomy: Novel approach to thymic surgery
Robert E Reily1, Sang-Wook Kang1, Emad Kandil2
1Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Background:
We present a video case with a novel, minimally invasive approach to the thymus, which does not require a sternotomy, thoracic incision, or entry into the pleural space.
Methods:
A 14-year-old girl was referred to our clinic with dysphagia and left sided thymic mass. A detailed video shows the operative techniques used to perform a thymectomy with robotic assistance via a transaxillary approach.
Results:
The procedure was tolerated well and without complication. The patient was discharged the day after surgery and was symptom free at her 2-week follow-up appointment.
Conclusion:
We present a novel approach to thymic surgery that does not require a neck incision, sternotomy, or entry into the pleural space. There could be several benefits from this minimally invasive approach; however, concerns related to exposure and adequacy of resection need further research prior to recommending this technique for myasthenia or malignancy.
