[Video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: analysis of 107 cases].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results of video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed data from 107 patients received thoracoscopic extended thymectomy from June 1995 to June 2004. All patients had confirmed diagnosis of myasthenia gravis by clinical manifestation and electromyogram. Thoracoscopic extended thymectomy as well as dissection of all fatty tissue anterior to the pericardium was performed.


RESULTS
During a follow-up of 1-98 months, symptom was significantly improved in 83% of patients, including 34 patients experienced complete remission. There was no postoperative mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Favorable results of video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy can be achieved in patients with myasthenia gravis. The technique is safe and minimally invasive.
Liu
Hui-ping
HP
Division of Thoracic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taibei, Taiwan Province, China.
Li
Jian-feng
JF
Wu
Yi-cheng
YC
Xie
Ming-ru
MR
Liu
Yong-heng
YH
Jiang
Guan-chao
GC
Liu
Jun
J
Wang
Jun
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; D013934:Thymectomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome