Thymectomy for myasthenia gravis

Abstract EN

A series is presented of 30 patients with generalised myasthenia gravis (MG) who were treated by sternal split and extended thymectomy.

The mean age was 22 years, median 19 years with a female to male ratio of 2:1.

The °verall improvement rate was 90%; 70% achieved drugfree remission and another 20% required decreased medication.

Drug-free remission was achieved in 80% female and in 50% male and in 50% on steriods and mestinon compared with 80% of those on mestinon alone.

There were no deaths or significant complications.

These results suggest that an aggressive surgical approach to myasthenia gravis can result in a higher percentage of drug-free remissions.