Adjuvant pneumomediastinum in thoracoscopic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis

Ann Thorac Surg. 1996 Oct;62(4):1210-2. doi: 10.1016/0003-4975(96)00537-1.

Abstract

To facilitate initial visualization and subsequent mobilization of the thymus, adjuvant pneumomediastinum was preoperatively induced in 4 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy. Neither mortality nor technique-related morbidity was observed. This experience shows video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy to be a safe and reliable procedure. In addition, we believe that adjuvant pneumomediastinum seems to facilitate the dissection maneuvers and could shorten operative time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Endoscopy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Myasthenia Gravis / surgery*
  • Pneumomediastinum, Diagnostic / methods*
  • Thoracoscopy*
  • Thymectomy / methods*
  • Video Recording