Improved procedures and comparative results for video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis

Introduction We previously introduced video-assisted thoracoscopic ET (VATS-ET) as a therapeutic option for MG with acceptable results. We have conducted further investigations to improve the procedure without deterioration of operative results, including myasthenia gravis (MG) remission rate and palliation rate. Here, we report the details of our current procedure, as well as surgical results and patient outcomes as compared with the original VATS-ET procedure. Material and methods From January 2002 to September 2013, we performed a VATS-ET procedure with an anterior chest wall lifting method for 77 patients who had MG with or without a thymoma. During that period, we investigated the appropriate indications and improved the procedure. Results Our current indication for this procedure is MG with the anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody or sero-negative type, or MG with a thymoma