Quote:
Originally Posted by gr8ful
I've read quite a few articles about the outcome of a thymectomy. Initially I read something that said it was essentially a path to a MG cure. Then I learned more and it's a whole lot more complicated than that.
One article said:
"In a review of 100 consecutive patients who underwent left-sided robotic thymectomy for MG, Marulli et al demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this approach. No deaths or intraoperative complications occurred. On 5-year clinical follow-up, 28.5% of patients had complete stable remission, and 87.5% showed overall improvement. Remission was significantly more likely in patients with preoperative Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America class I to II."
and this sounds pretty good.
Is that article wrong? Is there a consensus on this forum regarding thymectomy? Why is there so much apparent controversy?
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My son had a thymectomy and a thymoma removed in December via robotic surgery. Everything was successfully removed with no problems. I have read that it is safer to have this type of surgery and certainly easier on the patient. I know there are instances when this type of surgery is not feasible. He is still having muscular weakness, chewing and swallowing problems. However, I have read that remission is more likely when you don't have a thymoma.