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World Journal of Surgery

Published in:

01-12-2013

State of the Art of Robotic Thymectomy

Authors: Mahmoud Ismail, Marc Swierzy, Jens C. Rückert

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 12/2013

Abstract

Background

Thymectomy is a widely accepted treatment for most cases of myasthenia gravis and essential for the treatment of thymoma. The development of a minimally invasive procedure for thymectomy resulted in a variety of approaches for surgery on the thymic gland. The use of thoracoscopy-based techniques has continued to increase, including the latest advance in this field, robotic thymectomy.

Methods

We review the rapid development and actual use of this approach by examining published reports, worldwide registries, and personal communications and by analyzing our database, which is the largest single-center experience and contains 317 thymectomies until 12/2012. The technical modifications of robotic thymectomy are also described.

Results

Since 2001, approximately 3,500 robotic thymectomies have been registered worldwide. Meanwhile, the results of approximately 500 thymectomy cases have been published. Robotic thymectomy is performed most frequently through a standardized unilateral three-trocar approach. All reports describe promising and satisfactory results for myasthenia gravis. For early-stage thymoma, robotic thymectomy is a technically sound and safe procedure with a very low complication rate and short hospital stay. Oncological outcome without recurrences is promising, but a longer follow-up is needed.

Conclusion

The unilateral robotic technique can be considered an adequate approach for thymectomy, even with demanding anatomical configurations. Robotic thymectomy has spread worldwide over the last decade because of the promising results in myasthenia gravis and thymoma patients.

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Title: State of the Art of Robotic Thymectomy
Authors: Mahmoud Ismail
Marc Swierzy
Jens C. Rückert
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 12/2013
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-013-2250-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

State of the Art of Robotic Thymectomy

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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