title: [Video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: analysis of 107 cases].
abstract: 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.
authors: Division of Thoracic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taibei, Taiwan Province, China.
authors: Hui-ping
authors: HP
authors: Liu
authors: Jian-feng
authors: JF
authors: Li
authors: Yi-cheng
authors: YC
authors: Wu
authors: Ming-ru
authors: MR
authors: Xie
authors: Yong-heng
authors: YH
authors: Liu
authors: Guan-chao
authors: GC
authors: Jiang
authors: Jun
authors: J
authors: Liu
authors: Jun
authors: J
authors: Wang
mesh_terms: 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