| Title: | Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) thymectomy Versus Median Sternotomy: A retrospective comparison |
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| Author(s): | Daniah. Alsaadi M. Forde A. White, N. O’Halloran A. Soo |
| Institution: | Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital Galway |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | Lung Cancer/CF/ILD/Surgery |
| Abstract: | Thymoma is the leading cause of mediastinal neoplasms in adults. Until recently an open approach via median sternotomy has been the mainstay surgical approach. Over the last decades the use of minimally invasive VATS has emerged. Such procedures enable smaller incisions, faster recovery and shorter in-patient hospital stays. The aim of this study was to compare surgical techniques. This comparative retrospective study included all cases of thymectomies performed in University Hospital Galway between 2015 and 2020. A total of 16 patients were included in this 5-year study period. 75% were male (n=12). 75% were smokers. 88% presented as incidental findings, 2% as myasthenia gravis. 6 patients (38%) underwent VATS (starting in 2017) with a 0% conversion rate. The remaining patients (62%) underwent open surgery. Histopathology confirmed benign thymomas in 57% of the VATS cases and 40% of the open surgical cases. The average length of stay was 4 and 6 days for VATS and open surgery, respectively. This study highlights a low morbidity rate of VATs thymectomy despite early learning experience. A shorter in hospital stay for VATs procedures is noted when compared to standard open techniques with a consequent potential for reduced overall cost. |
