经颈胸腺及胸腺瘤切除术21例

目的探讨利用自制改良经颈胸腺手术牵开器开展经颈切口胸腺及胸腺瘤切除术的效果。方法回顾性分析同济大学附属上海市肺科医院2010年2月至2011年6月21例患者的临床资料,其中男10例,女u例;年龄14～69岁,术前临床诊断均为胸腺瘤。所有患者均在全身麻醉下经颈切口行胸腺及胸腺瘤切除术,术中利用自制改良胸腺手术牵开器向上牵开胸骨,扩大前纵隔手术操作空间,确保经颈部切口可施行胸腺及胸腺瘤的完整切除。结果21例患者手术均成功。手术时间l～2h,术中出血量30～50ml,平均术后引流量20ml,住院时间2～4d。21例患者均在术后第2d拔除颈部引流管。21例患者术后病理诊断为胸腺瘤12例（2例伴重症肌无力）,重症肌无力l例（不伴胸腺瘤）,胸腺增生4例,胸腺囊肿3例,胸腺脂肪瘤1例。患者术后无并发症,无切口疼痛主诉,咳嗽、胸闷及眼睑下垂等症状较术前明显缓解。结论利用自制改良胸腺手术牵开器行经颈胸腺及胸腺瘤切除术,术中切口湿露好,肿瘤、胸腺及周围脂肪组织切除彻底,术后并发症少,患者疼痛感轻,切口美观,手术效果良好。     

电视胸腔镜手术治疗胸腺疾病58例

目的探讨电视胸腔镜手术治疗胸腺疾病的方法和价值。方法 1994年7月～2010年7月,完全胸腔镜下或胸腔镜辅助小切口完整切除胸腺、胸腺瘤和胸腺囊肿58例：完全胸腔镜下切除33例,其中胸腺瘤切除8例,全胸腺切除7例,全胸腺切除纵隔脂肪清扫3例,胸腺囊肿切除15例;胸腔镜辅助小切口下切除25例,其中胸腺瘤切除9例,全胸腺切除14例,全胸腺切除纵隔脂肪清扫2例。结果 58例均在完全胸腔镜或胸腔镜辅助小切口下完成切除,无并发症。完全胸腔镜下切除33例,手术时间70～90 min,平均80 min;胸腔镜辅助小切口下切除25例,手术时间55～70 min,平均65 min。无中转开胸。术中出血50～100 ml,平均60 ml。术后留置胸腔闭式引流3～5 d,平均4 d。术后住院5～9 d,平均7 d。术后病理诊断：胸腺瘤34例,胸腺增生6例,胸腺囊肿15例,胸腺脂肪瘤3例。48例随访1～5年,其中〈2年19例,2～5年29例,均无复发。结论电视胸腔镜手术切除胸腺瘤和胸腺囊肿安全可靠,切除彻底,具有微创、恢复快及并发症少的特点。     

电视胸腔镜胸腺切除9例报告

目的　探讨电视胸腔镜下行胸腺切除的可行性及合并重症肌无力患者的远期疗效。　方法　 1996年 7月至 2 0 0 1年 4月 ,选择 9例胸腺相关疾病患者 ,应用电视辅助胸腔镜 (VATS)行胸腺切除 ,术后门诊或电话随访。　结果　胸腺囊肿 2例 ,胸腺瘤 1例 ,恶性胸腺瘤 1例 ,胸腺癌 1例 ,重症肌无力4例。重症肌无力据改良Osserman分型Ⅰ型 3例 ,Ⅱb型 1例 ,合并胸腺瘤 2例 ,胸腺增生 2例 ,手术总有效率 3/ 4。手术中转开胸 1例 ,手术后随访复发 1例 ,经胸骨正中切口行胸腺扩大切除术。　结论　VATS治疗部分胸腺疾病可行 ,VATS治疗重症肌无力疗效与常规手术相当。     

经左胸电视胸腔镜下全胸腺切除40例临床分析

目的探讨经左胸电视胸腔镜下全胸腺切除术的可行性和有效性。方法回顾性分析苏州大学附属第一医院2008年5月至2011年5月期间收治40例胸腺疾病和重症肌无力手术患者的临床资料,男13例,女27例;平均年龄44(12～72)岁。均于胸腔镜下经左胸行全胸腺切除术,其中重症肌无力患者行全胸腺及前纵隔脂肪和心包脂肪垫切除术。结果术后病理诊断为胸腺增生18例、胸腺瘤15例、胸腺囊肿3例,4例胸腺组织未见明显异常。无围手术期并发症及死亡发生。根据美国重症肌无力协会(MGFA)疗效判断标准,21例重症肌无力患者术后完全缓解率38.09%(8/21),药物缓解率42.86%(9/21),无明显缓解率19.05%(4/21);术后随访1～24个月,所有患者术后行胸部CT、磁共振成像(MRI)等检查,未见肿瘤复发。结论经左胸电视胸腔镜下全胸腺切除术安全可行,具有创伤小、并发症少、切除彻底等优点,可作为治疗部分胸腺疾病和重症肌无力的手术方法之一。     

达芬奇机器人纵隔肿物切除术23例临床分析

目的探讨应用达芬奇机器人行纵隔肿物切除术的可行性。方法回顾性分析2009年1月～2012年12月通过达芬奇机器人行纵隔肿物切除手术23例的临床资料。年龄33～72岁,平均48.8岁。前纵隔肿物19例,中纵隔肿物1例,后纵隔肿物3例。三孔法,左侧机械臂为抓钳,右侧机械臂为超声刀,中间为观察孔。前纵隔胸腺来源肿物行全胸腺切除术,后纵隔及中纵隔来源肿物沿肿物包膜完整切除。结果 23例手术均获成功,全胸腺切除术19例,中纵隔气管囊肿剥除术1例,后纵隔肿物切除术3例。手术时间（93.9±38.6）min,术中出血（55.2±18.6）ml,术后24小时胸管引流量（115.2±69.9）ml,术后住院时间（5.4±1.4）d。全组无围手术期死亡,无中转开胸。术后病理示胸腺瘤16例,神经鞘瘤3例,胸腺囊肿2例,胸腺增生及支气管囊肿各1例。23例随访1～48个月,平均20个月,无复发。结论应用达芬奇机器人行纵隔肿物切除术安全可行。     

胸腔镜胸腺扩大切除加颈部切口治疗重症肌无力

目的 探讨胸腔镜胸腺扩大切除加颈部切口治疗重症肌无力的可行性和术后疗效.方法 2005年1月至2006年2月采用胸腔镜胸腺切除加颈部切口治疗重症肌无力患者41例,其中男性18例,女性23例,年龄18～67岁.病程1个月～3年.术中除完整切除胸腺外,还清除前纵隔区域及颈根部的异位胸腺和脂肪组织.结果 全组41例手术完全在电视胸腔镜下完成,平均手术时间162 min.术后发生肌无力危象7例.术后病理学诊断:4例颈部发现残存胸腺上极,35例患者气管前胸骨上间隙有肿大淋巴结(3～17枚).所有患者均痊愈出院.术后随访观察2年,完全缓解率41.4%,有效率达85.4%.结论 胸腔镜下胸腺切除术治疗重症肌无力能取得较为理想的治疗效果,胸腔镜扩大胸腺切除加颈部切口对于颈根部异位胸腺的清除是一补充.     

电视胸腔镜下纵隔肿瘤手术54例报告CSCD

目的探讨电视胸腔镜手术(video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery,VATS)治疗纵隔肿瘤的安全性及有效性。方法回顾性分析我院2009年1月～2011年9月行胸腔镜下纵隔肿瘤手术54例。一般置3个trocar,首先于腋中线第6～8肋间置第1个trocar(1.0 cm),置入30°10 mm硬质胸腔镜探查,明确病变部位及其毗邻关系后,按照倒三角形决定另外2个trocar(1.5～2.0 cm)的部位,术中根据情况可将操作孔与镜孔互换。若肿瘤较大,或与周围粘连不易显露,或与大血管关系紧密,考虑出血后不易止血采用胸腔镜辅助小切口(video-assisted minithoracotomy,VAMT),沿trocar延长小切口5～8 cm直视下操作。结果 41例全胸腔镜下完成手术;12例胸腔镜辅助小切口;1例因肿瘤侵犯左无名静脉中转开胸手术。1例胸腺增生伴重症肌无力,术中损伤膈神经,术后胸片提示患侧膈肌抬高,术后6个月复查胸片恢复。2例术后气胸,经胸腔闭式引流后痊愈;均未出现术中及术后近期(30 d内)死亡。术后病理:胸腺瘤18例,胸腺增生12例,胸腺癌1例,支气管囊肿8例,胸腺囊肿1例,淋巴细胞增生2例,畸胎瘤4例,神经源性肿瘤6例,胸膜脂肪瘤1例,胸腺孤立性纤维瘤1例。54例随访8～36个月,中位随访时间23个月,所有良性肿瘤均无复发,侵袭性胸腺瘤复发1例。结论电视胸腔镜纵隔肿瘤切除是可行和安全的,可获得满意的临床效果。     

电视胸腔镜下纵隔肿瘤手术54例报告

目的 探讨电视胸腔镜手术(video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery,VATS)治疗纵隔肿瘤的安全性及有效性.方法 回顾性分析我院2009年1月～2011年9月行胸腔镜下纵隔肿瘤手术54例.一般置3个trocar,首先于腋中线第6～8肋间置第1个trocar(1.0 cm),置入30°10 mm硬质胸腔镜探查,明确病变部位及其毗邻关系后,按照倒三角形决定另外2个trocar(1.5 ～ 2.0 cm)的部位,术中根据情况可将操作孔与镜孔互换.若肿瘤较大,或与周围粘连不易显露,或与大血管关系紧密,考虑出血后不易止血采用胸腔镜辅助小切口(video-assisted minithoracotomy,VAMT),沿trocar延长小切口5～8 cm直视下操作.结果 41例全胸腔镜下完成手术;12例胸腔镜辅助小切口;1例因肿瘤侵犯左无名静脉中转开胸手术.1例胸腺增生伴重症肌无力,术中损伤膈神经,术后胸片提示患侧膈肌抬高,术后6个月复查胸片恢复.2例术后气胸,经胸腔闭式引流后痊愈;均未出现术中及术后近期(30 d内)死亡.术后病理:胸腺瘤18例,胸腺增生12例,胸腺癌1例,支气管囊肿8例,胸腺囊肿1例,淋巴细胞增生2例,畸胎瘤4例,神经源性肿瘤6例,胸膜脂肪瘤1例,胸腺孤立性纤维瘤1例.54例随访8 ～ 36个月,中位随访时间23个月,所有良性肿瘤均无复发,侵袭性胸腺瘤复发1例.结论 电视胸腔镜纵隔肿瘤切除是可行和安全的,可获得满意的临床效果.     

电视胸腔镜手术治疗胸腺瘤75例

目的 探讨电视胸腔镜手术治疗胸腺瘤的临床价值.方法 2008年1月～2012年8月对75例经CT测量肿瘤最大径1 ～11 cm的胸腺瘤在电视胸腔镜下施行胸腺瘤切除,腋前线第5肋间做1.0 cm观察孔,主、副操作孔长1.5 cm,常规为第3肋间腋前线及第5肋间锁骨中线,可适当调整.电钩沿膈神经前纵行切开术侧纵隔胸膜达瘤体上下极,钝性分离暴露瘤体后处理肿物下极并游离至对侧纵隔胸膜.自下而上游离并处理胸腺静脉后完整切除瘤体.对合并免疫相关疾病的患者除切除瘤体与胸腺外进行前纵隔脂肪清扫.结果 围术期无死亡病例,57例全胸腔镜下完成,17例在胸腔镜辅助小切口下完成,1例因术中左无名静脉破裂出血而中转开胸.术后并发肺部感染6例,肌无力危象1例,静脉血栓形成2例.66例随访7 ～58个月,平均12.8月,1例C型胸腺瘤术后8个月复发,第15个月死于全身转移,余65例无复发或转移.29例合并MG者,14例完全缓解,13例部分缓解,2例无改善;2例合并PRCA者,1例部分缓解,1例无改善.结论 胸腔镜下胸腺瘤切除术可行.     

胸腔镜3D模式下治疗纵隔病变

目的探讨3D模式下电视辅助胸腔镜手术(video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery,VATS)治疗纵隔肿瘤的安全性和有效性。方法 2013年7月~2015年7月采用3D-VATS治疗62例纵隔肿瘤,按照术前CT肿瘤位置设计观察孔及操作孔,术中根据情况可将操作孔与观察孔互换。若肿瘤5 cm,与大血管关系紧密,或与周围粘连不易显露,可采用胸腔镜辅助小切口(video-assisted minithoracotomy,VAMT)进行手术。结果 58例3D-VATS顺利完成手术;3例因瘤体直径约6 cm,行VAMT;1例因肿瘤侵犯左无名静脉中转开胸手术。2例术中损伤膈神经致膈肌抬高,术后3个月恢复;2例肺不张,抗炎、雾化、咳痰后好转。均未出现术中及术后近期30 d死亡病例。术后病理:胸腺瘤31例,胸腺增生16例,胸腺癌5例,支气管囊肿1例,胸腺囊肿1例,淋巴细胞增生2例,畸胎瘤3例,神经源性肿瘤2例,胸膜脂肪瘤l例。62例随访1~24个月,中位随访时间12个月,所有良性肿瘤均无复发,胸腺癌复发1例。结论 3D模式下VATS治疗纵隔肿瘤是一种新的选择方式,临床效果安全、可行。     

"Maximal" thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Results

Thymectomy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. The logical goal of operation has been complete removal of the thymus, but there has been controversy about the surgical technique and its relation to results. Surgical-anatomic studies have shown gross and microscopic thymus widely distributed in the neck and mediastinum. We believe that an en bloc transcervical-transsternal "maximal" thymectomy is required to remove all thymic tissue predictably. Ninety-five patients with generalized myasthenia gravis underwent "maximal" thymectomy consecutively between 1977 and 1985 and were evaluated 6 months to 89 months after operation. In Group A (N = 72), myasthenia gravis without thymoma, the uncorrected data revealed that 96% (69) had benefited from operation: 79% (57) had no symptoms; 46% (33) were in remission; 33% (24) were symptom free when receiving minimal doses of pyridostigmine; and none were worse. Life table analysis yielded a remission rate of 81% at 89 months. In group B (N = 8), myasthenia gravis without thymoma for which patients underwent reexploration for incapacitating weakness after earlier transcervical or transsternal operations, residual thymus was found in all. One patient was in remission, two were symptom free when receiving medication, one was unchanged, and none were worse. In group C (N 15), myasthenia gravis and thymoma, two patients were in remission and nine were symptom free when receiving medication. Two patients in this group died 2 and 4 years postoperatively in crisis. Response to thymectomy in group A was greater in patients with mild myasthenia gravis and may have been better in patients who had symptoms for less than 60 months preoperatively, but the response did not depend on age, sex, presence or absence of thymic hyperplasia or involution, or titers of acetylcholine receptor antibodies. The response to thymectomy in group B was striking but slower than in group A, perhaps because symptoms were more severe and of longer duration. The response in group C was also less good than in group A and proportionately fewer benefited. These results support the recommendation for thymectomy in the treatment of patients with generalized myasthenia gravis and indicate the desirability of a maximal procedure. For persistent or recurrent severe symptoms after previous transcervical or submaximal transsternal resections, reoperation by this technique is also recommended.     

Transcervical thymectomy for myasthenia gravis achieves results comparable to thymectomy by sternotomy

BACKGROUND: It remains controversial whether transcervical thymectomy offers results equivalent to thymectomy by way of a median sternotomy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Furthermore, preoperative prognostic factors have not been clearly defined. METHODS: This study is a retrospective chart review and interview of 78 patients completing transcervical thymectomy for myasthenia gravis between 1992 and 1999. RESULTS: There were 24 men and 54 women. Mean age was 40 years (range, 13 to 78 years). Twelve patients were in Osserman class 1, 25 in class 2, 30 in class 3, and 11 in class 4 (mean, 2.5). There was no perioperative mortality and 6 (7.7%) morbidities. Mean length of stay was 1.5 days and mean follow-up, 54.6 months. The crude cumulative complete remission (asymptomatic off medications for 6 months) rate was 39.7% (n = 31). Only 8 patients (10.3%) failed to improve after transcervical thymectomy. Kaplan-Meier estimates of complete remission were 31% and 43% at 2 and 5 years, respectively. Eight patients with thymoma had a 5-year estimated complete remission rate of 75% in contrast to 43% in 38 patients with thymic hyperplasia and 36% in 32 patients with neither thymoma nor hyperplasia (p = 0.01). Twelve patients with ocular myasthenia had a 5-year estimated complete remission rate of 57%, whereas patients with mild-to-moderate (n = 55) or severe (n = 11) generalized symptoms had 5-year complete remission rates of 43% and 30%, respectively (p = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, extended transcervical thymectomy offers results that are comparable to those published for the transsternal procedure. Patients with milder disease (including isolated ocular disease) and taking no preoperative immunosuppressive agents appear to experience higher remission rates. In contrast to previous studies, we also find that small thymomas predict better responses to thymectomy.     

Trans-sternal thymectomy. Surgical indications and perioperative management

Between 1985 and 1998 42 transsternal thymectomies were performed. The median duration of symptoms in myasthenia gravis patients (n = 27, 25/27 patients in stadium I/II of the Ossermann classification) was 40.3 weeks and 70.8 days between first diagnosis and operation. In 12 patients a thymoma was found (11/12 patients with stadium I/II of Masaoka classification), which was associated with myasthenia gravis symptoms in 10 cases. In 3 patients thymic tumors of other origin were verified histologically. After surgery these patients have an increased risk of pulmonary complications. We changed 1996 the perioperative anesthesiological procedure using total intravenous anesthesia with propofol/remifentanil and systemic patient-controlled analgesia with piritramide in the first two days after transsternal thymectomy. This management allows a quick extubation after operation and improved lung function postoperatively.     

Failing transcervical thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. An evaluation of transsternal re-exploration

Twenty cases of failing transcervical thymectomy are reported. They were selected for transsternal re-exploration from a series of 95 patients who had previously undergone transcervical thymectomy because of myasthenia gravis (MG). A specific method for pre-operative detection of remnants of the non-tumorous thymic gland is lacking, but the applied clinical selection criteria were so far reliable: generalized, disabling, fluctuating MG despite cholinesterase inhibitor and/or immunosuppressive treatment, and no or inconsistent improvement after transcervical thymectomy. At transsternal re-exploration the commonest findings were intact lower thymic lobes with persistent venous drainage into the brachiocephalic vein. Presence of thymic tissue was histologically confirmed in all the excised specimens (weight range 10-60, mean 23 g), and the examination showed thymic hyperplasia in 18 cases, fatty involution of the gland in two, and a lympho-epithelial thymoma in one case. The re-operation was followed by objectively registrable improvement in all but one of the 20 patients during observation periods of 8-75 (mean 21) months. There was statistically significant reduction in disability scores (means 8.2-4.9) and in need for anticholinesterase medication (to 67% of pretreatment dose). Immunosuppression became unnecessary in 6 of 11 patients and could be reduced in 4 patients. The incidence of failure in transcervical thymectomy was alarmingly high (27%), and more re-operations are anticipated. Since the transcervical approach involves a high risk of incomplete thymectomy, its use should be abandoned. However, in most of the patients with re-operation, subsequent progress has been sufficiently promising for advocacy of sternotomy whenever the clinical criteria of failure are fulfilled.     

胸腔镜手术切除胸腺瘤治疗重症肌无力

目的探讨胸腔镜手术治疗胸腺瘤伴重症肌无力的可行性。方法2005年7月-2006年2月，采用电视胸腔镜在双腔气管插管静脉复合麻醉下行胸腺、胸腺瘤切除术10例，胸腺瘤最大6cm×4cm×3cm。于腋中线第5肋间做1cm胸腔镜口，腋前线与锁骨中线中点第4肋间做3cm主操作孔，腋前线第6肋间做1．5cm辅助操作孔。术中沿胸廓内动脉与锁骨下动脉分叉下方、胸廓内动脉内侧，剪开纵隔胸膜暴露同侧胸腺及部分对侧胸腺；沿上腔静脉或膈神经前方剪开胸膜，暴露同侧胸腺下极，自下而上游离同侧胸腺，沿头臂干静脉前方解剖、结扎胸腺静脉，同法游离对侧并切除。术后全部进行4000cGy放疗。结果手术时间70—130rain，平均110min。术中出血〈100ml。术后Masaoka分期Ⅰ期7例，Ⅱ期3例。术后无死亡，未出现心肺并发症和重症肌无力危象。术后1周重症肌无力症状缓解。10例随访8—15个月，平均13．0月，均无复发、转移，重症肌无力症状无明显加重。结论采用胸腔镜手术切除Ⅰ期或部分Ⅱ期胸腺瘤技术上是可行的，创伤小，术后并发症少，且不影响美观。     

The transcervical approach to the superior mediastinum.

We describe our experience with the transcervical approach for the surgical treatment of nonthyroidal superior mediastinal masses. With careful patient selection, proper preoperative workup, and proper operative positioning and technique, the entire superior mediastinum may be explored, thus avoiding the significant morbidity associated with the transsternal route. The transcervical approach requires a thorough knowledge of the surgical anatomy. Nine patients underwent transcervical exploration of the superior mediastinum. The indications included parathyroid adenoma, thymoma, congenital cyst, hemangioma, adenocarcinoma, and thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. We specifically discuss the role of thymectomy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis.     

经胸腔镜胸腺扩大切除术治疗重症肌无力42例报告

目的总结胸腔镜胸腺扩大切除治疗重症肌无力的经验。方法42例重症肌无力患者行胸腔镜或胸腔镜辅助小切口手术,切除范围包括胸腺组织及前上纵隔的脂肪软组织。结果手术均顺利完成,全组均无中转开胸。平均手术时间116.3（65-165）min,术中平均出血量为81.7（52-110）ml,术后平均住院时间为8.5（6-16）d。术后发生重症肌无力危象2例,予机械辅助通气及对症处理后好转。术后病理示26例为胸腺增生,16例为胸腺瘤。35例获随访,平均27.2（4-43）月,完全缓解7例,改善27例,1例无明显改善。结论胸腔镜胸腺扩大切除治疗重症肌无力,方法可行、可靠,具有创伤小、恢复快的优点。     

Video-assisted transcervical thymectomy

Background The optimal surgical approach for complete removal of the thymus gland has long been debated. In this report, the excision of the entire gland through a transcervical incision using video-assisted techniques is described.Methods Ten patients, including one with thymoma and myasthenia gravis, underwent surgery via the transcervical approach. After standard dissection up to the level of the innominate vein and ligation of the thymic vessels, a laparoscope was inserted into the mediastinum. In the patient with thymoma, the operation was completed by a small incision in the third intercostal space.Results No perioperative mortality or long-term morbitity was observed. The mean hospital stay was 69.6 h. After a mean follow-up period of 63.8 months, eight patients displayed complete remission, whereas one continued to receive minimal medication. The patient with thymoma showed considerable improvement, but remained on same medical regimen No complications were seen throughout the study.Conclusion Video-assisted thymectomy improves effectiveness of the transcervical approach for thymectomy with a minimum of trauma and excellent results.     

电视胸腔镜辅助胸腺切除术

目的探讨电视胸腔镜辅助胸腺切除的临床应用价值. 方法 2002年9月～2004年6月,18例胸腺疾病和重症肌无力(myasthenia gravis,MG)行胸腔镜辅助下胸腺切除手术,其中胸腺全切7例,11例MG行胸腺扩大切除. 结果 17例在胸腔镜辅助下完成, 1例中转小切口(7 cm)开胸手术.3例MG术后须短暂呼吸机辅助通气(<12 h),二次气管插管1例,余无严重并发症,无手术死亡.手术时间47～115 min,平均95 min;胸腔引流时间1.2～2.6 d,平均2 d;术后住院时间4～9 d,平均5.5 d.9例良性胸腺瘤或胸腺囊肿随访3～20个月,平均13个月,无复发.11例MG随访3～19个月,平均10个月,4例症状完全缓解,7例都分缓解. 结论胸腔镜辅助下胸腺切除手术,具有创伤小、恢复快等优点,胸腔镜下胸腺扩大切除治疗重症肌无力在技术上是可行的.     

Thymectomy in the treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis

BACKGROUND: Thymectomy is an effective and accepted treatment for myasthenia gravis, but thymectomy for ocular myasthenia gravis (Osserman stage I) is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and propriety of thymectomy for the treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis. METHODS: We conducted a review and follow-up of all patients who had thymectomy for the treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis between 1970 and 1998 at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center, and the University of Rome, "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy. Patient response to thymectomy was categorized as follows: cured, patients who became symptom-free and required no further medication; improved, patients who required less medication and whose symptoms were less severe; unchanged, patients whose symptoms and medications were the same; worse, patients who had more severe symptoms, needed more medication, or died. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients (mean age 37 years; range 14-73 years) were followed up for a mean duration of 9 years (range 0.5-29 years). Ocular myasthenia gravis with mixed and cortical thymomas, stages I to IV, occurred in 12 patients, and ocular myasthenia without thymomas occurred in 49 patients. Transsternal thymectomy (n = 55) and transcervical thymectomy (n = 6) resulted in cure in 31 (51%) patients, improvement in 12 (20%) patients, no change in 16 (26%) patients, and worsening of symptoms (including 1 postoperative death) in 2 patients. Patient outcomes were statistically independent of the duration of preoperative symptoms (mean 9.5 months), patient age, or the presence or absence of thymoma. In patients with ocular myasthenia, 70% were cured or improved after thymectomy; in the subgroup of patients with ocular myasthenia and thymoma, 67% were cured or improved. CONCLUSION: Thymectomy is an effective and safe treatment for patients with ocular myasthenia gravis.