Long-term Results of Thoracoscopic Thymectomy for Thymoma without Myasthenia Gravis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the feasibility and safety of thoracoscopic thymectomy with conventional sternotomy thymectomy for thymoma without myasthenia gravis. METHODS: Data from 70 patients diagnosed with thymoma, who underwent thoracoscopic thymectomy (n = 25, Group T) or sternotomy thymectomy (n = 45, Group S) between March 2002 and March 2008, were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Mean follow-up durations were 78.0 +/- 21.9 months and 70.0 +/- 23.6 months in Groups T and S, respectively. No deaths occurred in Group T; seven deaths occurred in Group S, all > 1 month post follow-up. Durations of chest intubation and hospitalization were significantly shorter in Group T than in Group S. No significant between-group difference in the incidence of operative complications was observed. Tumour recurrence-free rates at 5 and 7 years postsurgery were 96% (both years) in Group T and 95% (both years) in Group S. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up indicates that thoracoscopic thymectomy for thymoma without myasthenia gravis is effective and is well tolerated, and associated with low rates of operative complications and recurrence.