Evaluation of surgical treatment of 32 myasthenia gravis patients with thymoma

Background and purpose:Myasthenia gravis(MG)is an auto-immune disease affecting neuromuscular joints.1/4 of these patients may have thymoma.Surgical treatment remains the most important method for either MG or thymoma.In this retrospective analysis,we evaluated the clinical effects of surgical treatment for myasthenia gravis patients with thymoma.Methods:32 myasthenia gravis patients with thymoma underwent surgical treatment between Jan 2001 and Dec 2006 in our hospital.The data including age,gender,pathological founding,duration and gravity of myasthenia gravis were analyzed.Tumor recurrence and outcome of myasthenia gravis were documented during follow-up for all patients.Results:All patients received median sternotomy for thymectomy.Resection of pericardium,pleural or part of lungs was taken as needed for complete removal of tumor tissue.One patient died during peri-operative time.The median follow-up period for the the rest of the 31 patients was 37(14-61)months.8 patients received post-operative radiotherapy.Only one patient had recurrent thymoma and was re-operated,achieving tumor-free status.Complete remission of myasthenia was achieved in 7 patients with 13 partial remission,9 stable and 2 progressed.The overall effective rate for myasthenia gravis was 64.5%,and patients with different data has no signifi cance(P0.05).Conclusion:Surgical treatment is effective for myasthenia gravis patients with thymoma.Aggressive resection and radiotherapy if necessary provide excellent local control of tumor.Most patients with myasthenia gravis could be relieved after surgery.