P-221RESULTS OF VIDEOTHORACOSCOPIC THYMECTOMY IN CHILDREN: ANALYSIS ON 40 PATIENTS

Objectives: The experience in videothoracoscopic thymectomy is limited in paediatric patients with non-thymomatous myasthenia gravis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the medical status of the patients and surgical results. Methods: Out of 367 videothoracoscopic thymectomy operations for myasthenia gravis, 40 patients were children. Prospective data recording was performed. Age, gender, duration of disease, body mass index (BMI), prescribed medication, length of the operation, complications, chest tube duration time, duration of postoperative hospital stay, and pain score by visual analogue scale (VAS) were evaluated. Results: The average age was 14.8 ± 2.2 (8-18) and 27 patients were female. Electromyography and acetylcholine receptor antibody positivity were 30 (75%) and 27 (67%) respectively. Mean quantitative myasthenia gravis score was recorded to be 11.5 ± 5.3. The mean prescribed preoperative pyridostigmine bromide dosage was 209 ± 112 mg, whereas 11 (27.5%) patients were on corticosteroid treatment and 22 (55%) patients received intravenous immunoglobulin treatment preoperatively. There were no open conversion and mortality. Average duration of the operation was 48.9 (±31.3) min. All were extubated on the table but only 1 (2.5%) patient required mechanical ventilation during 18 h postoperatively. Three (7.5%) patients had complications. The average duration of drainage and postoperative stay were 20.5 (±12.1) h and 1.8 (±1.0) days. VAS average pain score was 2.3 (±1.2). Conclusions: Right-sided videothoracoscopy is a safe procedure in paediatric patients with myasthenia gravis in experienced centres. Disclosure: No significant relationships.