thymektomii

Thymectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the thymus gland. The thymus is a small gland located behind the breastbone, in front of the heart, and plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of T-lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell vital for the immune system.

The primary indication for thymectomy is myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by weakness in the voluntary muscles. In many patients with myasthenia gravis, the thymus gland is abnormally enlarged or contains thymic tumors called thymomas. Surgical removal of the thymus can significantly improve symptoms in these individuals.

Thymectomy can be performed using various surgical approaches, including open surgery (sternotomy) or minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robotic-assisted surgery. Minimally invasive approaches generally involve smaller incisions, leading to less pain and faster recovery times.

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. Recovery time varies depending on the surgical approach and the individual patient's health. While thymectomy can lead to significant improvement or remission of myasthenia gravis symptoms, it may take several months to years to see the full benefits, as the immune system needs time to adjust. Thymectomy is also sometimes performed for certain types of thymic cancers.