1. Thoracoscopic Thymectomy Mid-Term Results.
- Author
-
Tomulescu, Victor, Ion, Virginia, Kosa, Andras, Sgarbura, Olivia, and Popescu, Irinel
- Subjects
HOSPITAL care ,MEDICAL research ,ENDOSCOPIC surgery - Abstract
Background: Results of thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis need to be reported in a standardized way to allow accurate comparison. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of 107 patients with myasthenia gravis without thymoma. Patients were followed-up for more than 12 months after thoracoscopic thymectomy and analyzed according to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Recommendations for Clinical Research Standards. Results: The study population was aged 8 to 60 years old and included 15 men (14%) and 92 women (86%). A right-side approach was used in 36 patients, and the remaining 71 patients had a left-side approach. Mortality was 0% and morbidity was 9.34%. The mean operative time was 90 ± 45 minutes. The histologic diagnosis of the resected thymus was hyperplasia (78.5%), atrophy (15%), and normal status (6.5%). The mean length of hospitalization was 2.3 days (range, 2 to 6 days). The mean follow-up was 36.4 months (range, 12 to 74 months). The rate of complete stable remission was 59.5% by the end of postoperative year 6. An earlier onset age and early operation were significantly associated with complete stable remission and pharmacologic remission. A comparison of right side versus left side approach showed similarities in mean operative time, mean length of hospitalization, histopathologic results, and remission rates. Conclusions: Outcomes of the thoracoscopic approach in myasthenia gravis without thymoma were similar to those provided by open surgery, with the acknowledged benefits of minimally invasive surgery and good patient acceptance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF