Skip to main content

Thymectomy for Non-thymomatous MG

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Myasthenia Gravis and Related Disorders

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Neurology ((CCNEU))

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 249.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

REFERENCES

  1. Jaretzki A, III. Thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: an analysis of the controversies regarding technique and results. Neurology 1997;48(Suppl. 5)(April):S52–S63.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Blalock A, Harvey AM, Ford FF, Lilienthal J, Jr. The treatment of myasthenia gravis by removal of the thymus gland. JAMA 1941;117(18):1529–1533.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Keynes G. The surgery of the thymus gland. Brit J Surg 1946;32:201–214.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Kirschner PA, Osserman KE, Kark AE. Studies in myasthenia gravis: transcervical total thymectomy. JAMA 1969;209(6):906–10.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Kark AE, Kirschner PA. Total thymectomy by the transcervical approach. Br J Surg 1971;56:321–326.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Faulkner SL, Ehyai AS, Fisher RD, Fenichel GM, Bender HW. Contemporary management of myasthenia gravis: the clinical role of thymectomy. Ann Thorac Surg 1977;23:348–352.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Olanow CW, Wechsler AS, Roses AD. A prospective study of thymectomy and serum acetylcholine receptor antibodies in myasthenia gravis. Ann Surg 1982;196:113–121.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Vincent A, Newsom-Davis J, Newton P, Beck N. Acetylcholine receptor antibody and clinical response to thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. Neurology 1983;33:1276–1282.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Hankins JR, Mayer RF, Satterfield JR, Turney SZ, Attar A, Sequeira AJ, et al. Thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: 14 year experience. Ann Surg 1985;201:618–625.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Otto TJ, Strugalska H. Surgical treatment for myasthenia gravis. Thorax 1987;42:199–204.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Cooper J, Jaretzki A, III, Mulder DG, Papatestas AS. Symposium: thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Contemp Surg 1989;34(June):65–86.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Papatestas AE, Cooper J, Jaretzki A, III, Mulder DG. Symposium: thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Contemp Surg 1989;34(June):65–85.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Verma P, Oger J. Treatment of acquired autoimmune myasthenia gravis: a topic review. Can J Neurol Sci 1992;19:360–375.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Drachman DB. Myasthenia gravis. N Engl J Med 1994;330(25):1797–1810.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Penn AS. Thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. In: Handbook of Myasthenia Gravis and Myasthenic Syndromes. RP Lisak, ed. 1994;Marcel Dekker, Inc, New York:321–339.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Mack MJ, Landreneau RD, Yim AP, Hazelrigg SR, Scruggs GR. Results of video-assisted thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis. J Thor Cardiovasc Surg 1996;112(5):1352–1360.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Penn AS, Jaretzki A, III, Wolff M, Chang HW, Tennyson V. Thymic abnormalities: antigen or antibody? Response to thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. Ann NY Acad Sci 1981;377:786–803.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Wekerle H, Muller-Hermelink HK. The thymus in myasthenia gravis. Curr Top Pathol 1986;75:179–206.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Younger DS, Worrall BB, Penn AS. Myasthenia gravis: historical perspective and overview. Neurol Suppl 1997;48(Suppl 5):S1–S17.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Penn AS, Lovelace RE, Lange DJ, et al. Experimental myasthenia gravis in neonatally thymectomized rabbits. Neurology 1977;27(April):365.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Masaoka A, Monden Y, Seike Y, Tanioka T, Kagotani K. Reoperation after transcervical thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Neurology 1982;32:83–85.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Rosenberg M, Jauregui WO, Vega MED, Herrera MR, Roncoroni AJ. Recurrence of thymic hyperplasia after thymectomy in myasthenia gravis: its importance as a cause of failure of surgical treatment. Am J Med 1983;74:78–82.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Henze A, Biberfeld P, Christensson B, Matell G, Pirskanen R. Failing transcervical thymectomy in myasthenia gravis, an evaluation of transsternal re-exploration. Scand J Thor Cardiovasc Surg 1984;18:235–238.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Rosenberg M, Jauregui WO, Herrera MR, Roncoroni A, Rojas OR, Olmedo GSM. Recurrence of thymic hyperplasia after trans-sternal thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. Chest 1986;89(6):888–891.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Jaretzki A, III, Penn AS, Younger DS, Wolff M, Olarte MR, Lovelace RE, et al. “Maximal” thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: results. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1988;95:747–757.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Miller RG, Filler-Katz A, Kiprov D, Roan R. Repeat thymectomy in chronic refractory myasthenia gravis. Neurology 1991;41:923–924.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Kornfeld P, Merav A, Fox S, Maier K. How reliable are imaging procedures in detecting residual thymus after previous thymectomy. Ann NY Acad Sci 1993;681:575–576.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Monden MAY. Comparison of the results of transsternal simple, transcervical simple and extended thymectomy. Ann NY Acad Sci 1981;377:755–764.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Matell G, Lebram G, Osterman PO, Pirskanen R. Follow up comparison of suprasternal vs transsternal method for thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. Ann NY Acad Sci 1981;377:844–845.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Masaoka A, Nagaoka Y, Kotake Y. Distribution of thymic tissue at the anterior mediastinum: current procedures in thymectomy. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1975;70(4):747–754.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Jaretzki A, III, Wolff M. “Maximal” thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: surgical anatomy and operative technique. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1988;96:711–716.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Fukai I, Funato Y, Mizuno Y, Hashimoto T, Masaoka A. Distribution of thymic tissue in the mediastinal adipose tissue. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1991;101:1099–1102.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Bulkley GB, Bass KN, Stephenson R, Diener-West M, George S, Reilly PA, et al. Extended cervicomediastinal thymectomy in the integrated management of myasthenia gravis. Ann Surg 1997;226(3), Sept:324–335.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Clark RE, Marbarger JP, West PN, Sprat JA, Florence JM, Roper CL, et al. Thymectomy for myasthenia gravis in the young adult. J Thorac Cardiovasc 1980;80:696–701.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Jaretzki A, III. Transcervical-transsternal “maximal” thymectomy for myasathenia gravis (Video). Society of Thoracic Surgeons' Film Library 1996;P.O. Box 809285, Chicago, IL 60680–9285.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Lennquist S, Andaker L, Lindvall B, Smeds S. Combined cervicothoracic approach in thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Acta Chir Scand 1990;156:53–61.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Andersen M, Jorgensen J, Vejlsted H, Clausen PP. Transcervical thymectomy in patients with non-thymomatous myasthenia gravis. Scand J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1986;20:233–235.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Kagotani K, Monden Y, Nakaha K, Fujii Y, Seike Y, Kitamura S, et al. Anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody titer with extended thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1985;90:7–12.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Monden Y, Nakahara K, Fujii Y, Hashimoto J, Ohno K, Masaoka A, et al. Myasthenia gravis in elderly patients. Ann Thor Surg 1985;39:433–436.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Mulder DG, Graves M, Hermann C, Jr. Thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: recent observations and comparison with past experience. Ann Thorac Surg 1989;48:551–555.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Fujii N, Itoyama Y, Machi M, Goto I. Analysis of prognostic factors in thymectomized patients with myasthenia gravis: correlation between thymic lymphoid cell subsets and postoperative clinical course. J Neurol Sci 1991;105(2):143–149.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Nussbaum MS, Rosenthal GJ, Samaha FJ, Grinvalsky HT, Quinlan JG, Schmerler M, et al. Management of myasthenia gravis by extended thymectomy with anterior mediastinal dissection. Surgery 1992;112:681–688.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Frist WH, Thirumalai S, Doehring CB, Merrill WH, Stewart JR, Fenichel GM, et al. Thymectomy for the myasthenia gravis patient: factors influencing outcome. Ann Thor Surg 1994;57:334–338.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Masaoka A, Yamakawa Y, Niwa H, Fukai I, Condo S, Kobayashi M, et al. Extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: a 20 year review. Ann Thor Surg 1996;62(Sept):853–859.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Detterbeck FC, Scott WW, Howard JF, Egan TM, Keagy BA, Starck PJK, et al. One hundred consecutive thymectomies for myasthenia gravis. Ann Thorac Surg 1996;62:242–245.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Mulder DG. Extended transsternal thymectomy. Chest Surg Clin N Am 1996;6(1):95–105.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Fischer JE, Grinvalski HT, Nussbaum MS, Sayers HK, Cole RE, Samaha FJ. Aggressive surgical approach for drug-free remission from myasthenia gravis. Ann Surg 1987;205:496–503.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Hatton P, Diehl J, Daly BDT, Rheinlander HF, Johnson H, Shrader JB, et al. Transternal radical thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: a 15-year review. Ann Thorac Surg 1989;47:838–840.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Mulder DM. Extended Transsternal Thymectomy. General Thoracic Surgery. TW Shields ed.. 5th edition. 2000;Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Philadelphia, PA (Chapter 171):2233–2237.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Steinglass KM. Extended Transsternal Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis (Videocassette). The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Chicago, IL. 2002.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Blalock A, Mason MF, Morgan HJ, Riven SS. Myasthenia gravis and tumors of the thymus region: report of a case in which the tumor was removed. Am Surg 1939;110(4):544–561.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Clagett OT, Eaton LM. Surgical treatment of myasthenia gravis. J Thorac Surg 1947;16:62–80.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Blalock A. Thymectomy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis: report of 20 cases. J Thorac Surg 1944;13:1291–1308.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Olanow CW. The surgical management in myasthenia gravis. In: Surgery of the Chest. 6th edition. Sabiston DC Jr, Spencer FC, eds. 1995;WB Saunders Co, Philadelphia, PA.

    Google Scholar 

  55. LoCicero J, III. The combined cervical and partial sternotomy approach for thymectomy. Chest Surg Clin N Am 1996;6(1):85–93.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Trastek VF. Thymectomy. Mastery of Cardiothoracic Surgery. LR Kaiser, IL Krin, TL Spray eds. 1998;Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, PA:105–111.

    Google Scholar 

  57. deCampos JRM, Filomeno LTB, Marchiori PE, Jatene FB. Partial sternotomy approach to the thymus. In Minimally Access Cardiothoracic Surgery. Yim, AP, Hazelrigg, SR, Izzat, B, Landreneau, RJ, Mack, MJ, Naunheim, KS, eds. 1999;WB Saunders Co, Philadelphia, PA (Chapter 27):205–208.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Granone P, Margaritora S, Cesario A, Galetta D. Thymectomy (Transsternal) in myasthenia gravis via video-assisted infra-mammary cosmetic incision. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 1999;15(6):861–863.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Olanow CW, Wechsler AS. The surgical management of myasthenia gravis. In: Gibbon's Surgery of the Chest. 4th edition. DC Sabiston & FC Spencer, ed. 1983;WB Saunders Co, Philadelphis:849–869.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Olanow CW, Wechsler AS. The surgical management in myasthenia gravis. In: Textbook of Surgery. 14th edition. D.C. Sabiston Jr., ed. 1991;WB Saunders Co, Philadelphia, PA:1801–1814.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Trastek VF, Pairolero PC. Standard thymectomy. In: Mediastinal Surgery. TW Shields, ed. 1991;Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia (Chapter 39):365–368.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Trastek VF, Pairolero PC. Surgery of the thymus gland. In: General Thoracic Surgery, 4th Ed. TW Shields, ed. 1994; William & Wilkins Baltimore:1770–1781.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Olanow CW, Wechsler AS, Sirotkin-Roses M, Stajich J, Roses AD. Thymectomy as primary therapy in myasthenia gravis. Ann NY Acad Sci 1987;505:595–606.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Wilkins EW, Jr. Thymectomy. Modern Techn in Surg 1981;38:1–13.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Cooper J, Al-Jilaihawa A, Pearson F, Humphrey J, Humphrey HE. An improved technique to facilitate transcervical thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Ann Thorac Surg 1988;45:242–247.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Bril V, Kojic S, Ilse W, Cooper J. Long-term clinical outcome after transcervical thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Ann Thorac Surg 1998;65:1520–1522.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Shrager JB, Deeb ME, Mick R, Brinster CJ, Childers HE, Marshall MB, et al. Transcervical thymectomy for myasthenia gravis achieves results comparable to thymectomy by sternotomy. Ann Thorac Surg 2002;74:320–327.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Klingen G, Johansson L, Westerholm CJ, Sundstroom C. Transcervical thymectomy with the aid of mediastinoscopy for myasthenia gravis: eight years, experience. Ann Thorac Surg 1977;23:342–347.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Durelli L, Maggi G, Casadio C, Ferri R, Rendine S, Bergamini L. Actuarial analysis of the occurrence of remission following thymectomy for myasthenia gravis in 400 patients. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1991;54(5):406–411.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Maggi G, Cristofori RC, Marzio PD, Pernazza F, Turello D, Ruffini E. Transcervical thymectomy with partial sternal split. Osp Ital Chir 2004;10(1):53–60.

    Google Scholar 

  71. dePerrot M, Bril V, McRae K, Keshavjee S. Impact of minimally invasive trans-cervical thymectomy on outcome in patients with myasthenia gravis. Eur J Cardiothoracic Surg 2003;24(5):677–683.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Bramis J, Diamantis T, Tsigris C, Pikoulis E, Papaconstaninou I, Nikolaou A, et al. Video-assisted transcervical thymectomy. Surg Endosc 2004;18(10):1535–1538.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Zielinski M, Kuzdzal J, Szlubowski A, Soja J. Transcervical-subxiphoid-videothoracoscopic “Maximal” thymectomy – Operative Technique and early results. Ann Thorac Surg 2004;78(1):399–403.

    Google Scholar 

  74. Kirby TJ, Ginsberg RJ. Transcervical thymectomy. In General Thoracic Surgery, 6th edition. Shields T. MD, LoCicero, J. MD, Ponn, R. MD ed. 2005;Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Philadelphia, PA. 2(Section XXIX, Chapter 177):2634–2637.

    Google Scholar 

  75. Kark AE, Papatestas AE. Some anatomic features of the transcervical approach for thymectomy. Mt Sinai J Med 1971;38:580–584.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Papatestas AE, Genkins G, Kornfeld P, Horowitz S, Kark AE. Transcervical thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. Surg Gynecol Obst 1975;140(April):535–540.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Sugarbaker DJ. Thoracoscopy in the management of anterior mediastinal masses. Ann Thor Surg 1993;56(3):653–656.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Roviaro G, Rebuffat C, Varoli F, Vergani C, Maciocco M, Scalambra SM. Videothoracoscopic excision of mediastinal masses: indications and technique. Ann Thorac Surg 1994;58:1679–1684.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Sabbagh MN, Garza JJS, Patten B. Thoracoscopic thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis. Muscle and Nerve 1995;18(12):1475–1477.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  80. Yim APC, Kay RLC, Ho JKS. Video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Chest 1995;108(5):1440–1443.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Mack MJ, Scruggs GR. Video-assisted thymectomy. In General thoracic surgery. 5th edition. Shields T. MD, LoCicero, J. MD, Ponn, R. MD ed. 2000;Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA 2 (Section XXVIII, Chapter 173):2243–2249.

    Google Scholar 

  82. Mineo TC, Pompeo E, Ambrogi V, Sabato AF, Bernardi G, Casciani CU. Adjuvant pneumomediastinum in thoracoscopic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Ann Thor Surg 1996;62:1210–1212.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Novellino L, Longoni M, Spinelli L, Andretta M, Cozzi M, Faillace G, et al. “Extended” thymectomy, without sternotomy, performed by cervicotomy and thoracoscopic technique in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Int Surg 1994;79(4):378–381.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Scelsi R, Ferro MT, Scelsi L, Novellino L, Mantegazza R, Cornelio F, et al. Detection and morphology of thymic remnants after video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy (VATET) in patients with myasthenia gravis. Int Surg 1996;81:14–17.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Shigemura N, Shiono H, Inour M, Minami M, Ochta M, Okumura M, et al. Inclusion of the transcervical approach in video-assited thoracoscopic extended thymectomy (VATET) for myasthenia gravis: a prospective trial. Surg Endosc 2006;June 22, prepub.

    Google Scholar 

  86. Morgan JA, Ginsburg ME, Sonett JR, Morales DLS, Kohmoto T, Gorenstrin LA, et al. Advanced thoracoscopic procedures are facilitated by computer aided robotic technology. Eur J Cardiothoracic Surg 2003;23:883–887.

    Google Scholar 

  87. Ashton RC, McGinnis KM, Connery CP, Swistel DS, Ewing DR, DeRose JJ. Total endoscopic robotic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis (case report). Ann Thorac Surg 2003;75:569–571.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Kernstine KH. Robotic Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis. Personal Communication 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  89. Rea F, Marulli G, Bortolotti L, Feltracco P, Zuin A, Sartori F. Experience with the “Da Vinci” robotic system for thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis: report of 33 cases. Ann Thorac Surg 2006;81:455–459.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. Hsu CP, Chuang CY, Hsu NY, Chen CY. Comparison between the right side and subxiphoid bilateral approaches in performing video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Surg Endosc 2004;18(5):821–824.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Uchiyama A, Shimizu S, Murai H, Kuroki S, Okido M, Tanaka M. Infrasternal mediastinoscopy thymectomy in myasthenia gravis: surgical results in 23 patients. Ann Thor Surg 2001;72:1902–1905.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Weinberg A, Gelijns A, Moskowitz A, Jaretzki A. Myasthenia gravis: outcomes analysis. <<www.myasthenia.org/research/Clinical_Research_Standards.htm> (Appendix – Outcome Analysis.doc) Reprints: Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. 1821 University Avenue West (Suite S256), St. Paul, MN-55104–2897. 2000.

  93. Lawless JF. Life tables, graphs, and related procedures. In: Statistical Models and Methods for Life Table Data. By J F Lawless, ed. John Wiley & Son Inc, New York 1982:52–94.

    Google Scholar 

  94. Olak J, Chiu RCJ. A surgeon's guide to biostatistical inferences. Part II. ACS Bull 1993;78(2):27–31.

    Google Scholar 

  95. Blackstone EH. Outcome analysis using hazard function methodology. Ann Thorac Surg 1996;61:S2–S7.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  96. McQuillen MP, Leone MG. A treatment carol: thymectomy revisited. Neurology 1977;12(77):1103–1106.

    Google Scholar 

  97. Viet HR, Schwab RS. Thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. In: Records of Experience of Mass Gen Hosp. Veit HR, ed. 1960; Charles C Thomas, Springfield, IL:597–607.

    Google Scholar 

  98. Oosterhuis HJ. Observations of the natural history of myasthenia gravis and the effect of thymectomy. Ann NY Acad Sci 1981;377:678–689.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  99. Sanders DB, Kaminski HJ, Jaretzki A, III, Phillips L, H II. Thymectomy for myasthenia gravis in older patients (Letter to Editor). J Am Coll Surg 2001;193(3):340–341.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  100. Sonett JR. Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis. Difficult Decisions in Thoracic Surgery – An Evidence-Based Approach. MK Freguson, ed. 2007;London, Springer:469–473.

    Google Scholar 

  101. TaskForce M, Jaretzki A, III,Chair, Barohn RB, Ernstoff RM, Kaminski HJ, Keesey JC, et al. Myasthenia gravis: recommendations for clinical research standards. Neurology 2000;55:16–23.

    Google Scholar 

  102. Buckingham JM, Howard FM, Bernatz PE. The value of thymectomy in myasthenia gravis: a computer-assisted matched study. Ann Surg 1976;184:453–458.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  103. Gronseth S, Barohn RJ. Practice parameters: thymectomy for autoimmune myasthenia gravis (an evidence base review). Neurology 2000;55:7–15.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  104. Wolfe GI, Kaminski HJ, Jaretzki A, III, Swan A, Newsom-Davis J. Development of a thymectomy trial in nonthymomatous myasthenia gravis patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Ann NY Acad Sci 2003;998(Aug):473–480.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  105. Rodriguez M, Gomez MR, Howard F, Taylor WF. Myasthenia gravis in children: long term follow-up. Ann Neurol 1983;13:504–510.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  106. Papatestas AE, Genkins G, Kornfield P, Eisenkraft JB, Fagerstrom RP, Posner J, et al. Effects of thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. Ann Surg 1987;206(1):79–88.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  107. Lindberg C, Andersen O, Larsson S, Oden A. Remission rate after thymectomy in myasthenia gravis when the bias of immunosuppressive therapy is eliminated. Acta Neurol Scand 1992;86(3):323–328.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  108. Rubin JW, Ellison RG, Moore HV, Pai GP. Factors affecting response to thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1981;82(5):720–728.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  109. Jaretzki A, III, Steinglass KM, Sonett JR. Thymectomy in the management of myasthenia gravis. Semin Neurol 2004;24(1):121–134.

    Google Scholar 

  110. Manlula A, Lee TW, Wan I, Law CY, Chang C, Garzon JC, et al. Video-assisted thoracic surgery thymectomy for nonthymomatous myasthenia gravis. Chest 2005;128(5):3454–3460.

    Google Scholar 

  111. Novellino L, Spinelli L, Albani AP, Cirelli B, Mancin A, Bettonalgi M, et al. Thymectomy by cervicotomy and bilateral thoracoscopy to treat non-thymomatous myasthenia. Osp Ital Chir 2004;10:61–74.

    Google Scholar 

  112. Lanska D. Indications for thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. Neurology 1990;40:1828–1829.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  113. Keesey JC. A treatment algorithm for autoimmune myasthenia in adults. Ann NY Acad Sci 1998;841:753–768.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  114. TaskForce MG. Recommendations for clinical research standards. www.myasthenia.org/clinical/research/standards2002; www.myasthenia.org/research/MGFA_Standards.pdf.

  115. Daroff RB. Ocular myasthenia. In Myasthenia Gravis and Related Disorders. Kaminski HJ, ed. 2003;Humana Press, Totowa, NJ:115–128.

    Google Scholar 

  116. Schumm F, Wietholter H, Fateh-Mogbadan A, Dichgans J. Thymectomy in myasthenia with pure ocular symptoms. J Neurol Neurosurg Psych 1985;48(4):332–337.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  117. Evoli A, Batocchi AP, Minisci C, DiShino C, Tonali P. Therapeutic options in ocular myasthenia gravis. Neuromuscul Disord 2001;11(2):208–216.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  118. Monden Y, Nakahara K, Kagotani K, Fujii Y, Nanjo S, Masaoka A, et al. Effects of preoperative duration of symptoms on patients with myasthenia gravis. Ann Thorac Surg 1984;38:287–291.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  119. DeFilippi VJ, Richman DP, Ferguson MK. Transcervical thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Ann Thor Surg 1994;57:194–197.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  120. Kaminski HJ. Treatment of myasthenia gravis. In Myasthenia Gravis and Related Disorders. Kaminski HJ, ed. 2003; Humana Press, Totowa, NJ:197–221.

    Google Scholar 

  121. Adams C, Theodorescu D, Murphy E, Shandling B. Thymectomy in juvenile myasthenia gravis. J Child Neurol 1990;5:215–218.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  122. Andrews PI, Massey JM, Howard JF, Sanders DB. Race, sex, and puberty influence onset, severity, and outcome in juvenile myasthenia gravis. Neurology 1994;44:1208–1214.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  123. Andrews PI. A treatment algorithm for autoimmune myasthenia gravis in children. Ann NY Acad Sci 1998;841:789–802.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  124. Seybold ME. Thymectomy in childhood myasthenia gravis. Ann NY Acad Sci 1998;841:731–741.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  125. Kirschner PA. Reoperation on the thymus. A critique. Chest Surg Clin N Am 2001;11(2):439–445.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  126. Wekerle H, Muller-Hermelink H. The thymus in myasthenia gravis. Current Topics in Pathology. The Human Thymus. Hispphysiology and Pathology. Muller-Hermelink, HK, ed. 1986; Springer-Verlag Co, New York:75.

    Google Scholar 

  127. Ellis K, Austin JHM, Jaretzki A, III. Radiologic detection of thymoma in patients with myasthenia gravis. Am J Radiol 1988;151:873–881.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  128. Lovelace RE, Younger DS. Myasthenia gravis with thymoma. Neurology 1997;48(Suppl. 5):S76–S81.

    Google Scholar 

  129. Shields TW. Thymic Tumors. General Thoracic Surgery. 5th Edition. 2000;Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA; 2:2181–2205.

    Google Scholar 

  130. Mussi A, Lucchi M, Murri L, Ricciardi R, Luchini L, Angeletti CA. Extended thymectomy in myasthenia gravis: a team-work of neurologist, thoracic surgeon, and anaesthetist may improve the outcome. Eur J Cardio-thorac Surg 2001;19:570–575.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  131. Houghton A. Variation in outcome of surgical procedures. Br J Surg 1994;81:653–660.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  132. Crawford FA, Anderson RP, Clark RE, Grover FL, Kouchoukos NT, Waldhausen JA, et al. Volume requirements for cardiac surgery credentialing: a critical examination. Ann Thorac Surg 1996;61:12–16.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  133. Silvestri GA, Handy J, Lackland D, Corley E, Reed CE. Specialists achieve better outcomes than generalists for lung cancer surgery. Chest 1998;114:675–680.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  134. Krucylak PE, Naunheim KS. Preoperative preparation and anesthetic management of patients with myasthenia gravis. Sem in Thorac and Cardiovasc Surg 1999;11:47–53.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  135. d'Empaire G, Hoaglin DC, Perlo VP, Pontoppidan H. Effect of prethymectomy plasma exchange on postoperative respiratory function in myasthenia gravis. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1985;89:592–596.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  136. Cumming WJK, Hudgson P. The role of plasmapheresis in preparing patients with myasthenia for thymectomy. Muscle Nerve 1986;9:S155–S158.

    Google Scholar 

  137. Gotti P, Spinelli A, Marconi G, Duranti R, Gigliotti F, Pizzi A, et al. Comparative effects of plasma exchange and pyridostigmine on expiratory muscle strength and breathing pattern in patients with myasthenia gravis. Thorax 1995;50:1080–1086.

    Google Scholar 

  138. Kas J, Kiss D, Simon V, Svastics E, Major L, Szobor A. Decade-long experience with surgical therapy of myasthenia gravis: early complications of 324 transsternal thymectomies. Ann Thorac Surg 2001;72:1691–1697.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  139. Jaretzki A, III, Phillips L, II, Aarli J, Kaminski HJ, Sanders DB. Preoperative preparation of patients with myasthenia gravis forstalls postoperative respiratory complications following thymectomy – Letter to Editor. Ann Thor Surg 2003;75:1068–1069.

    Google Scholar 

  140. Younger DS, Braun NMT, Jaretzki A, III, Penn AS, Lovelace AE. Myasthenia gravis: determinants for independent ventilation after transsternal thymectomy. Neurology 1984;34:336–340.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  141. Mayer SA. Intensive care of the myasthenic patient. Neurology 1997;48(Suppl. 5):S70–S81.

    Google Scholar 

  142. Juel VC. Myasthenia gravis: management of myasthenic crisis and perioperative care. Semin Neurol 2004;24:75–81.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  143. Miller RG, Rosenberg JA, Force APPT. Care of patients with ALS: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the AAN. Neurol 1999;52:1311–1323.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  144. Kirklin JW, Blackstone EH. Clinical studies with non-randomly assigned treatment. In Cardiac Surgery. 2nd edition. Kirklin, JW, Barrett-Boyes, BG eds. 1993;Churchill-Livingstone, New York (Chapter 6):269–270.

    Google Scholar 

  145. Heagerty PJ, Zeger SL. Marginal regression models for clustered ordinal measurements. J Am Stat Assoc 1996;91(435):1024–1036.

    Google Scholar 

  146. Wolfe GI, Herbelin L, Nations SP, Foster B, Bryan WW, Barohn RJ. Myasthenia gravis activities of daily living profile. Neurology 1999;52:1487–1489.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  147. Jaeschke R, Guyatt GH. How to develop and validate a new quality of life instrument. Quality of Life Assessments in Clinical Trials, Spilker B, ed. 1990;Raven Press, Ltd. New York (Chapter 5):47–57.

    Google Scholar 

  148. Park IK, Choio SS, Lee JG, Kim DJ, Chung KY. Complete stable remission after extended transsternal thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. Eur J Cardiothoracic Surg 2006;30:525–528.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2009 Humana Press, a part of Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Jaretzki III, A., Sonett, J.R. (2009). Thymectomy for Non-thymomatous MG. In: Myasthenia Gravis and Related Disorders. Current Clinical Neurology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-156-7_12

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-156-7_12

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-852-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-156-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics