Learn about laparoscopic thymectomy

Thymectomy is surgery to remove the thymus gland. This is an effective treatment for myasthenia gravis, neuromuscular disorders, thymoma. There are many types of thymectomy, in which laparoscopic thymectomy is a modern, radical technique with few postoperative complications.

The thymus is located in the anterior part of the chest, just behind the breastbone and in front of the heart. The thymus is part of the body's immune system and plays the largest role in early development.
Thymectomy is a surgical removal of the thymus gland. This surgery is generally recommended for patients younger than 60 years of age with moderate to severe myasthenia gravis affecting breathing or swallowing. Thymectomy is also indicated in the presence of thymic tumors.
Thymectomy can be done by a number of different surgical techniques such as:
Thymectomy through the incision above the sternum: The most common technique. In this open surgical procedure, an incision is made over the sternum, and the sternum is divided (sternal osteotomy) to expose and remove the thymus. Thoracic thymectomy: In this procedure, an incision is made through the lower part of the neck, just above the breastbone (breastbone). The doctor removes the thymus through this incision without dividing the breastbone. Thoracic thymectomy: These minimally invasive techniques use several small incisions in the chest. The doctor removes the thymus using special surgical tools inserted through other incisions. There was no difference in the degree of success in improving symptoms between transsternal thymectomy and transthoracic thymectomy. In contrast, laparoscopic thymectomy is increasingly indicated because of its less invasive, radical and less complicated nature than other methods.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies that damage and disrupt nerve-muscle conduction, leading to muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing,... The disease is common in women. , characterized by a rapid weakening of all striated muscles (which can be controlled at will).
Previously surgical treatment often split the sternum causing many complications and high mortality, while laparoscopic thymectomy is a much safer and more effective method.
Laparoscopic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis has been applied in many countries around the world and some central hospitals in Vietnam. This is a complicated technique, requiring ingenuity and synchronous and modern medical equipment. In myasthenia gravis due to thymoma, surgery is indicated when medical therapy is not effective. For about 60% of people with myasthenia gravis, removal of the thymus significantly improves symptoms of muscle weakness. In about 30% of cases, thymectomy provides permanent remission of myasthenia gravis without the need for any additional medications.
Endoscopic thymectomy is a treatment method for myasthenia gravis, helping to completely and thoroughly remove the tumor, minimizing the risk of bleeding and postoperative complications. Moreover, patients have less pain, short hospital stay and especially high aesthetics due to smaller scars compared to traditional surgical methods.
In summary, myasthenia gravis is often accompanied by abnormalities in the thymus, typically thymic tumors. Thyroid tumors need to be detected and treated promptly. Laparoscopic thymectomy has opened up hope for people with myasthenia gravis in terms of healing, restoring health and improving quality of life.
Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern facilities, medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in medical examination and treatment, patients can rest assured to visit examination and treatment at the Hospital.

Reference source: swedish.org