Minimally Invasive Thymectomy
 

I just recently got back from the Mayo Clinic up in Rochester, MN, where I went to get a second opinion on my diagnosis and treatment options. I spent about a week up there, had some additional bloodwork done and an EMG (which was loads of fun...). Anyway, I had a consultation with a cardiothoracic surgeon and he has recommended, based on the presence of a mass on the thymus, a minimally invasive thymectomy.

In addition, I had an appointment with my local neurologist today and he's increasing my IVIg treatments from once a month to every two weeks. This was done in part because my symptoms have been coming back over the last three weeks or so, and also in order to try and get my body more ready for the surgery (which is on February 27).

Has anyone had a thymectomy done through this method? Anything you would recommend or anything I should expect?

Thanks in advance! :)

Adam

I've had one! Nothing really to recommend as it's such a "non-event." I was in and out of the hospital in 24 hours and just rested a few days and then went on about my business. I do believe the surgeon makes a difference and it would be wise to find one with a good amount of experience with minimally invasive techniques.

Hope you're feeling better soon!

robotic thymectomy
 

I had a robotic thymectomy through three incisions on my right side under my arm. A fourth incision was for a chest tube. I was in the hospital 4 days when I was originally told a day or two. I agree that it's a no big deal surgery compared to the sternal option, but I was recovering at home for 2 weeks after the surgery and needed every day of it. My MG isn't as severe as yours. I just wanted to respond that perhaps the surgery and recovery may not be as simple and short as we all would like :)

Best wishes to you!
Susan

I did the minimally invasive option, as well. I was in the hospital 3 days and then recovered at home for a month. One thing I found was that even after I felt better, I still had very little stamina and needed the extra recovery time.

My surgeon told me that if he got inside and found a mass he would have to switch to a sternectomy, as he wasn't willing to drag the mass across my chest cavity. You may want a second opinion on whether this method is the best in your case (though I agree its the best in general). Dr. Burrows at University of Maryland performed my surgery.