Results Of Minimally Invasive Vats Thymectomy In Miastenia Gravis Patients Compared With More Invasive Approaches -...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Immunology

Background:

• Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neurological disorder causing varied symptoms.
• While transsternal, transcervical, and thoracotomy approaches are established for thymectomy, the efficacy of VATS remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes of VATS thymectomy versus traditional open approaches for myasthenia gravis.
• To evaluate the long-term effectiveness and benefits of minimally invasive surgery in MG patients.

Main Methods:

• A 10-year retrospective analysis of thymectomy cases for myasthenia gravis (January 2010 - January 2021).
• Comparison of 24 patients divided into VATS (Group A) and open procedures (Group B), including sternotomy, thoracotomy, and hemiclamshell approaches.
• Outcomes assessed by clinical improvement: asymptomatic remission, medication reduction, or symptom control.

Main Results:

• In the VATS group (12 patients), 8.3% achieved complete remission, 16.7% were asymptomatic with reduced medication, and 66.6% showed overall improvement.
• In the open surgery group (12 patients), 8.3% achieved complete remission, 16.7% were asymptomatic with reduced medication, and 50% showed improvement.
• No worsening of symptoms was reported in either group; VATS offered comparable efficacy to open procedures.

Conclusions:

• The videothoracoscopic approach for thymectomy in myasthenia gravis is non-inferior to open procedures.
• VATS is an effective treatment option for MG, providing long-term benefits associated with less invasive surgery.