Clinical Study Of Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Thymectomy For Myasthenia Gravis

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the value of video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis(MG) by comparing the thymectomy via the median sternotomy retrospectively.Methods:From1996to2011, Forty-eight patients who were confirmed to be MG preoperatively at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital were divided into VATS group(Twenty-five cases including ten male and eight female with thymic hyperplasia, four male and three female with thymoma) and thoracotomy group(Twenty-three cases including five male and eight female with thymic hyperplasia, four male and six female with thymoma). To compare the operative time, blood loss during operation, the duration and volume of drainage tube left in chest postoperatively, postoperative hospitalization days and the curative effect in two groups.Results:In VATS group, blood loss during operation, the duration and volume of postoperative drainage tube left in chest, postoperative hospitalization days were less than those of thoracotomy group(P<0.05). There was no postoperative mortality in two groups. During a follow-up of4-40months, symptom was improved in92%of patients in VATS group and87%in thoracotomy group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis is safe and feasible with the advantages of less invasion, quick recovery and good curative effect. We advocate the thoracoscopic approach for thymectomy in the treatment of MG.