title: Video-assisted extended thymectomy in patients with thymoma by lifting the sternum.
abstract: We present use of minimally invasive video thoracoscopic surgery to perform complete extended thymectomy in patients with thymoma. These procedures were performed using a sternum-elevating method that provides a wide field of vision between the sternum and heart. Indications for this method are Masaoka Stage I, II and some Stage III (invasion to the lung and pericardium). This new method may be useful from the standpoint of minimal access, rapid recovery, less pain, and good cosmetic results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Kyushu Medical Center Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan. sada@qmed.hosp.go.jp
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Takeo
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sakada
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010496:Pericardium / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D013934:Thymectomy / Q000295:instrumentation; D013945:Thymoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013953:Thymus Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*