Video-Thoracoscopic Extended Thymectomy with Sternal Elevation and Carbon Dioxide Insufflation

To remove the thymus safely and completely in the surgical management for MG, especially for the upper pole of the thymus in the neck, we have performed video-thoracoscopic extended thymectomy (VATET) with sternal elevation and carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation. From November 2013 to May 2014, we conducted VATET for three MG patients. Symptomatic improvement was obtained, and there was neither mortality nor perioperative complications. VATET with sternal elevation and CO2 insufflation was a safe and valid technique for thymectomy for MG. Clinical short-term results were satisfactory.