title: [Video-assisted extensive thymectomy in the treatment of autoimmune myasthenia].
abstract: In the surgical treatment of autoimmune myasthenia, complete thymectomy is considered indispensable to ensure maximum clinical results. From May 1995 through June 1997, we carried out video-assisted extended thymectomy via sole left access in 16 patients. There were no deaths and no major complications. At the intermediate-term follow-up, remission and improvement rates were 19% and 56% respectively. These results were similar to those achieved on the last 16 patients who had extended thymectomy via median sternotomy. We believe that the advantages of the video-assisted approach render it a reliable option for the surgical management of autoimmune myasthenia.
authors.affiliation: Cattedra di Chirurgia Toracica, Università degli Studi Tor Vergata di Roma.
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Mineo
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pompeo
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pistolese
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cristino
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bernardi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Curatola
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000601:surgery*; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods; D013934:Thymectomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014743:Videotape Recording