[KathyV]

Has anyone had this type of surgery for removal of thymus/thymoma?

I just got CT scan results yesterday indicating a 4cm growth on thymus. Meeting with neuro mid-Aguust. Not sure what he's going to recommend, but thought I'd check to see if anyone here has had removal via the DaVinci robotic assisted method. Sounds way less invasive. We have 2 hospitals in Cincinnati with the equipment.

Thanks.

[AnnieB3]

I doubt there are many people who have had a thymectomy that way but it would be great - IF the people doing it are VERY experienced with that equipment! A machine is just a tool and doesn't make the surgeon using it any smarter or better. If you can find someone with lots of experience, that would be really cool to have a less invasive surgery.

Annie

[erinhermes]

Hey hon! I HAVE heard of the robotic surgery - and I've heard it is the best if you are able to have it done!

I wasn't able to do it, but hopefully you will!

Big hugs!
Erin

[Pat 110]

Hey Kathy,

I have heard of this type of surgery, but not for removal of the thymus. A less invasive surgery sounds great and worth looking into. Let us know what you find out. Take care.

Hugs,
Pat

[neutro]

Hi Kathy,
I found out a previous post on the subject which was quite positive on that technique:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...light=Da+Vinci
It is post #2.
Maurice.

[KathyV]

Maurice, thanks for the link. I missed that one when I did a search. I'm hopeful if I have to have surgery it can be done that way. What can I say, I'm a baby. In my 56 years I've only had surgery for a deviated septum which was outpatient.

[dobegirl]

Originally Posted by AnnieB3

I doubt there are many people who have had a thymectomy that way but it would be great - IF the people doing it are VERY experienced with that equipment! A machine is just a tool and doesn't make the surgeon using it any smarter or better. If you can find someone with lots of experience, that would be really cool to have a less invasive surgery.

Annie

I had this surgery 3/30/12 at Univ. of Florida Shands. Was lucky to find a wonderful surgeon who has done many of these and happy to have the much less invasive procedure. I was released after 4 days with zero pain or complications and tests say I am clear. So happy to not have chosen the chest type procedure.

[tysondouglass]

Hey Kathy V-

I actually just did a paper on this (statistically). I had the trannsternal approach 3 years ago, and wish i would have gotten the opporunity to have the VATS.

In my research i found that the VATS is just as effective, but not if the growth is too large. So make sure that they take into account the size of the growth. I dont remember how big mine was, but it was large, so they said going with the transsternal was the best idea.



My paper explains this much better, if you want, post your email here and I will send you the paper and it explains the positive and negative repercussions of the surgery.

Good luck!

[Marybetho]

I had this surgery two years ago in Chicago. It went very well, had a tumor on the thymus which was the size of an orange. My recovery was uneventful although they were a little stingy with the pain meds if you ask me. They get nervous due to the MG, I think. I have not gone into remission though, as I had hoped and have seen no improvement in my symptoms. My new neuro says women my age (57) typically have the least improvement. Oh well. Good luck.

[TexasRose]

I just had a thymectomy via robotics a week ago. I was in the hospital overnight and discharged the next day. I didn't have a thymoma and the surgery was uneventful - all the thymus was removed (I have pictures!). I had little pain, mainly discomfort. I go for a follow-up next week, but have been out and about. Of course, my upper body is sore sometimes, but mostly I don't notice any pain. I am hoping I will go into remission. Since I also take meds for Lupus, I'd like to cut down on those.