Surgical Techniques for Myasthenia Gravis: Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

Thorac Surg Clin. 2019 May;29(2):165-175. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2018.12.005. Epub 2019 Mar 7.

Abstract

We describe the various video-assisted thoracic surgery approaches to the thymus currently adopted in nonthymomatous and thymomatous myasthenic patients. Despite several controversies, video-assisted thoracic surgery thymectomy gained worldwide popularity. Classic 3-port approaches proved safe and effective. Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery requires consolidated experience, whereas the bilateral approach is considered more extensive. Subxiphoid represents the ultimate and exciting challenge. As an effect of video-assisted thoracic surgery approach, thymectomy is performed earlier; both patients and neurologists are more prone to accept the procedure given the quicker recovery, lesser pain, and better cosmesis. Outcomes are equivalent to those achieved by sternotomy.

Keywords: Myasthenia gravis; Thymectomy; Thymoma; Uniportal VATS; VATS.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Myasthenia Gravis / surgery*
  • Patient Positioning
  • Patient Selection
  • Postoperative Care
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted*
  • Thymectomy / methods*