Thymectomy for yasthenia gravis

Abstract

Abstract A series is presented of 30 patients with generalized 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 overall improvement rate was 90%; 70% achieved drug-free 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.