Transsternal thymectomy

Abstract

Thymectomy techniques and approaches in myasthenia gravis continue to evolve with various minimally invasive techniques. As with any surgical procedure that has undergone—or is undergoing—an evolution to minimally invasive approaches, it is essential that the surgical goals remain identical to best-proven practices. The gold standard of surgical maximal thymectomy by sternotomy must be well-understood and appreciated, and the dissection and surgical tenets of the procedure must be emulated without degradation of techniques as minimally invasive approaches are adapted.