Left thoracoscopic thymectomy in children

Outcomes of thoracoscopic thymectomy in patients with juvenile myasthenia gravis

INTRODUCTION

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of the postsynaptic neuromuscular junction resulting in fatigability of voluntary muscles. There has been increasing evidence supporting thymectomy for MG in adults, and evidence for the role of surgery in pediatric age groups is increasing. The purpose of this study is to describe the outcomes of our patients with juvenile MG undergoing thoracoscopic thymectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients with juvenile MG who underwent thoracoscopic thymectomy at Phoenix Children's Hospital between 1999 and 2014 were included. Patients were diagnosed by their treating neurologist. An Osserman and Genkins criterion was used to classify the severity of the disease and DeFilippi classification was used to assess remission.

RESULTS

Twelve patients underwent thoracoscopic thymectomy for juvenile MG during the time frame studied. Nine (75%) patients had an Osserman stage of IIB, with only two patients with ocular disease. There were no conversions to an open procedure. Seven (59%) patients had normal thymic histology, 4 (33%) had evidence of follicular hyperplasia and one (8%) had involutional changes. The median length of hospital stay was 2days (range 1-5days). There was no 30-day postoperative morbidity, reoperations or mortality. The median length of follow-up was 31months (range, 4-91months) and at the time of their last follow-up; all 12 (100%) patients had a DeFilippi Classification of 3 or better.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for MG in children is indicated for antibody-receptor-positive patients with moderate to severe disease. Thoracoscopic thymectomy is a safe and acceptable treatment for juvenile MG with good disease control. The low morbidity and shorter hospital duration make it an excellent option for consideration.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy in myasthenic children

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease marked by weakness of voluntary musculature. Medical and surgical therapy of adult myasthenia is well documented. There is little pediatric surgical evidence, only a few case reports being available. The aim of this paper is to verify whether the surgical and anesthesiological techniques can warrant an early and safe discharge from the operating room. The secondary aim is to assess the presence of perioperative indicators that can eventually be used as predictors of postoperative care. During the years 2006-2009, 10 pediatric patients were treated according to a surgical approach based on video assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy (VATET). Standard preoperative evaluation is integrated with functional respiratory tests. Anesthetic induction was made with propofol and fentanyl/remifentanyl and maintenance was obtained with sevoflurane/desflurane/propofol ± remifentanyl. A muscle relaxant was used in only one patient. Right or left double-lumen bronchial tube (Rüsch Bronchopart® Carlens) placement was performed. Six patients were transferred directly to the surgical ward while 4 were discharged to the intensive care unit (ICU); ICU stay was no longer than 24 h. Length of hospital stay was 4.4±0.51 days. No patient was readmitted to the hospital and no surgical complications were reported. Volatile and intravenous anesthetics do not affect ventilator weaning, extubation or the postoperative course. Paralyzing agents are not totally contraindicated, especially if short-lasting agents are used with neuromuscular monitoring devices and new reversal drugs. Perioperative evaluation of the myasthenic patient is mandatory to assess the need for postoperative respiratory support and also predict timely extubation with early transfer to the surgical department. Availability of new drugs and of reversal drugs, the current practice of mini-invasive surgical techniques, and the availability of post anesthesia care units are the keys to the safety and successful prognosis of patients affected by MG who undergo thymectomy.

Hybrid combination of small subxiphoid incision and thoracoscopic thymectomy for juvenile myasthenia gravis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that usually responds positively to treatment with thymectomy. Various approaches via video-assisted thoracic thymectomy as a substitute for conventional sternotomy have been reported. We reported a less invasive technique for thymectomy in pediatric groups.

METHODS

Four adolescents with juvenile myasthenia gravis all underwent hybrid combination of small subxiphoid incision and thoracoscopic thymectomy at our institute. Clinical characteristics and surgical outcome were consecutively collected.

RESULTS

In these 4 patients, 2 presented with Osserman class III and 2 with class IIb. The mean operative time was 180 minutes. There was no conversion to sternotomy, and there was only minimal blood loss. Follow-up duration was 3 to 64 months. Postoperatively, 1 patient had complete remission and 3 patients had improvement in clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Hybrid combination of small subxiphoid incision and thoracoscopic thymectomy may be an effective alternative with low surgical invasiveness for treating juvenile myasthenia gravis.

Management of the child with weakness

With increased life expectancy associated with improved respiratory care and research advances in pediatric neuromuscular diseases leading to clinical trials involving potential curative treatments, the goal in the care of the child with weakness is to optimize survival and quality of life. The care of the child with weakness includes management of motor dysfunction because of weakness, orthopedic complications of contractures and scoliosis, and comorbid complications specific to each neuromuscular disease. Optimal holistic integrative care of the multisystemic problems of such patients is best provided by the collaborative efforts of health care providers of an interdisciplinary team.